Reigning under-25 world champion Sam Shannahan has signalled her intentions at the $125,000 Australian Open by advancing to the semi-finals with a crushing victory over second seed Kelsey Cottrell.
While Cottrell, the world number six, was a warm favourite entering this morning’s quarter-final, Shannahan had other ideas as she needed little more than an hour to register an 8-3, 8-1 win.
The impressive victory comes just one round after the Victorian disposed of inaugural winner Roma Dunn in a tie-breaker.
As a result, the 21-year-old will now go onto meet Broadbeach’s Gail Waitai after she edged out former Australian representative Maria Rigby, while the opposite semi-final will be an all-teenage affair featuring Victoria’s Lisa Phillips and Queensland’s Charlie Harkness.
Phillips, 17, defeated Australian squad member Anne Johns in a tie-break, while Harkness, 19, proved too good for South Australian youngster Breeanna Dickson.
“It was a good win,” a relaxed Shannahan said.
“I’ve beaten Kelsey previously but you never know what is going to happen when you step onto the green.
“I feel like I deserved a semi-final spot, and that I’m playing well enough to win it, so hopefully I can.”
