Rain Stops Play in Hong Kong Open: Kerber and Chirico Halted in 3rd Set Decider

Rain Stops Play in Hong Kong Open: Kerber and Chirico Halted in 3rd Set Decider
World No 1 Angelique Kerber of Germany plays a running forehand during her 2nd round match against Louisa Chirico (USA) at the Hong Kong Open, on Wednesday Oct 12, 2016. The match was poised at 1 set each with Kerber leading 2-1 in the 3rd set, when rain finally stopped play for the day. Bill Cox/Epoch Times
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HONG KONG—On a rain–affected evening at the Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open World number one, and top-seed, Angelique Kerber is being made to work hard by Louisa Chirico, ranked 60 in the WTA, in their 2nd round match. Kerber leads 6-2, 3-6 and is 2-1 up in the third set.

The match is delayed until tomorrow, but the outcome is in the balance. The match was thrice disrupted by weather; firstly, towards the end of the first set; then crucially at the end of the second set, with Chirico serving with a double set-point. Fortunately for Chirico, the hour plus break did not upset her concentration, and she took the second set 3-6 to force the match into a deciding third set. The score stands at 2-1 to Kerber, with Chirico to serve, once formalities restart tomorrow.

Louisa Chirico (USA) plays a forehand return during her 2nd round match against world No 1 Angelique Kerber of Germany at the Hong Kong Open, on Wednesday Oct 12, 2016. (Bill Cox/Epoch Times)
Louisa Chirico (USA) plays a forehand return during her 2nd round match against world No 1 Angelique Kerber of Germany at the Hong Kong Open, on Wednesday Oct 12, 2016. Bill Cox/Epoch Times