Media Release: Wednesday, February 21, 2007

OPEN FAIRYTALE CONTINUES FOR 17 YEAR-OLD WONDER

Seventeen-year-old Victorian Samantha Warren moved into the last four of the women’s singles at the ABN AMRO Australian Open with a stunning 9-6, 11-1 victory over Jan Khan of New Zealand this afternoon (21/2).

The stylish teenager, from Lara, near Geelong, added Khan to an already impressive list of victims that includes event fifth seed Val Smith and her New Zealand compatriot Sharon Sims.

Warren, who was back in class at Geelong High School yesterday, gave Khan a lesson this afternoon.

With proud mother Andrea and a big crowd watching on, Warren fought through a tough opening set before cruising through the second and into a semi-final showdown with top seed Siti Zalina Ahmad of Malaysia.

“I’m loving it, I can’t stop smiling,” Warren said.

“It’s hot out there but it’s been a great week and a great experience, I am having a ball.”

Mother Andrea said her daughter was a cool customer on the green.

“They say she has a poker face, nothing seems to faze her out there,” Mrs Warren said.

”She’s playing so well and her form is just amazing. The most important thing though is that she’s having fun.”

Joining Warren and Ahmad in the final four of the $100,000 tournament’s semi-final phase are talented Kiwi Jo Edwards and Scotland-born Sydneysider Anne Watson.

Watson, 26, was granted a wildcard into the tournament and has cashed in on the invite.

She was far too good for top-line Malaysian Azlina Arshad, winning 9-2, 9-4 in another impressive display.

Watson, who was eliminated from the same tournament in round two last year, said she had no expectations prior to this week’s competition.

“I just wanted to go one better than last year so all this is a bonus,” the Scot-come-Aussie said.

“Now I have made it through to the semis I’ll be looking to make the most of the opportunity.”

The women’s semi-finals will be played tomorrow (22-2) with Ahmad and Warren in action from 10.00am before Edwards meets Watson at 1.00pm.