Hometown hero Rubin Statham has sent shock waves through the ASB Classic with a stunning upset win over world number 25 Hyeon Chung.
The 360th-ranked Statham only needed two sets to send Chung - the tournament's sixth seed - packing.
Chung was one of the breakout stars of the tennis world in 2018, beating Novak Djokovic en route to a semi-finals appearance at the Australian Open.
Statham is the only New Zealander in the tournament's singles field.
Michael Venus topped off a great day for New Zealand tennis when he and doubles partner Raven Klaasen comfortably dispatched Dominic Inglot and Franko Skugor in first-round action.
The Kiwi-South African pair won 6-3 6-4 to earn a spot in the quarter-finals.
Earlier, Spaniard David Ferrer got his quest for a record fifth ASB Classic title off to a promising start with a comfortable 6-2, 6-1 win over Dutchman Robin Haase.
The 36-year-old, who's playing his final season of professional tennis before retirement, was far too strong for the towering Haase, breezing into the second round to set up a clash with compatriot Pablo Carreno Busta.
Ferrer gained a wildcard entry into the Auckland tournament, which he won three consecutive times between 2011-13.
- Tournament director Karl Budge considering major overhaul to avoid late withdrawals
- Frenchman Gael Monfils joins star attractions on tournament sideline
- Denis Shapovalov suffers an early exit from ASB Classic
In other day two singles results, Argentina's Leonardo Mayer beat eight-seeded American Steve Johnson in straight sets (7-5, 6-3), qualifier Ugo Humbert eased past Pablo Cuevas (7-5, 6-1) and Italian Matteo Berrettini topped Mackenzie McDonald (6-3, 6-4).
In day three action, top seed John Isner opens up on centrecourt, taking on US countryman Taylor Fritz, second seed Fabio Fognini plays German Peter Gojowczyk and ex-pat Kiwi Cameron Norrie plays tournament regular Joao Sousa.
Statham headlines the evening session against German Jan-Lennard Struff, while ASB Classic legend David Ferrer plays compatriot Pablo Carreno Busta.
Newshub.
