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Bernard Tomic hits a return to Zhang Ze in the second round of the China Open in Beijing. Photo: AFP

Zhang Ze gives Bernard Tomic a scare before succumbing in China Open

Australian number one claws his way back after 190th-ranked China star took early lead

AFP

Bernard Tomic made it through to the second round of the China Open yesterday, claiming victory over homegrown star Zhang Ze after the wild card gave him an early scare.

The Australian number one began slowly, and was forced to save two set points against Zhang as he clawed his way back from being 5-3 down.

Zhang, who is 190th in the world rankings, appeared to be closing in on the set as he took a 2-0 lead in the tie break, but Tomic eventually won it 7/4.

When Tomic was a junior he was sometimes sloppy and he gave many free points
Zhang Ze 

The 20-year-old then broke Zhang's serve early in the second set and never looked to be in danger as he sealed victory with the scores at 7-6 (7-4), 6-4.

"We were playing juniors matches before and when Tomic was a junior he was sometimes sloppy and he gave many free points," 23-year-old Zhang said.

"Now he has grown a lot and he is more serious on every single point when he plays."

In the women's competition, China's Zhang Shuai, who won her first singles title at the Guangzhou Open last month, continued her good form by beating higher-ranked compatriot Peng Shuai in straight sets, 6-3, 6-3.

This article appeared in the South China Morning Post print edition as: Zhang Ze gives Tomic a scare before succumbing
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