Top seed Nielsen in doubt for capital

Mark Nielsen, a former New Zealand Davis Cup representative, is keeping the organisers of this weekend's Wellington Open on their toes.

Nielsen is listed as the tournament's top seed, but he now has coaching commitments on Auckland's North Shore and is unlikely to front this weekend in Wellington unless he can find cover.

That leaves Wellington's Marc Paulik and his Auckland interclub team-mate Jackson Bodle, 20, as the front-runners vying for the $2000 winner's cheque at the sixth New Zealand Money Tournament of the summer.

Paulik has been playing alongside Bodle in the Auckland interclub competition, the Chelsea Cup, and knows he will provide classy opposition at Wellington's biggest tournament of the summer.

"It definitely won't be easy money, there are still good players in the tournament," Paulik said. "I'd imagine Jackson Bodle will be seeded top, but because he's a late entry he will have to qualify."

They have divided commitments this weekend following the winning run of their Auckland interclub side Belmont to the semifinals of the Chelsea Cup.

With the semis in Auckland to be played on Friday night, both men will fly early on Saturday morning for the first round in Wellington.

The timing of the tournament isn't ideal for attracting a top field. The Davis Cup players, including Masterton's Marcus Daniell, are on overseas duty, while the next tier of semi- professional players is busy with Chelsea Cup commitments.

Another Wellington mainstay in the draw is Khandallah No 1 Warwick Foy. Foy has been in strong form for his club in singles, and as a former top-ranked national junior is comfortable playing at a higher level.

Foy returned last year from Sacramento State University, where he spent five years on a tennis scholarship.

Eru Lyndon, a former Wellington Club No 1, is another player familiar with the windy Brooklyn courts, while former Hutt Valley High School pupil Sam Barr has returned to form from a back injury.

The women's draw is leaner but features Wanganui teen Paige Hourigan. Auckland's Kairangi Vano is the women's top seed.

Men's and women's singles finals will be played on Sunday afternoon.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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