Michael Yani downs Brian Baker to reach round two – Proton Malaysian Open 2012
In an all-American clash, qualifier Michael Yani tumbled his compatriot, Brian Baker, in straight sets at the Proton Malaysian Open 2012 on Monday. He nudged up a 6-3, 7-6(4) success against the 27-year-old to secure a place in the round of 16 at this ATP
(Association of Tennis Professionals) World Tour 250 Series event held in Bukit Jalil, Malaysia.
The Singaporean-born Yani warded off late resilience to pull out the victory against Baker in their first encounter. After earning success in one hour and 41 minutes, Yani took a 1-0 lead in the FedEx ATP Head 2 Head Series against the world number 60 and
progressed into the second round at this indoor hard court event.
Yani assertively entered the Putra Indoor Stadium in Kuala Lumpur. He smoothly plucked his entire serves after brushing off the lone breakpoint he faced. The American veteran got the breakthrough in the fourth game after capitalising on one out of four break
chances and ultimately clinched the opener with a 6-3 score line.
Ranked 238th in the South African Airways ATP World Tour Rankings, Yani swayed from his path towards the following set. He suffered the first blow in the second game and fell at 0-2. The lower ranked American recovered in the very next game but
lost his serve again in the sixth game, eventually trailing at 2-5. However, Yani refocused again and not only snatched his break back in the ninth game but dominated in the tie-breaker, ultimately clicking the set with a 7-6(4) success.
All in all, the 31-year-old showed brilliant skills throughout the battle. He clobbered a better first serve share of 73 per cent as opposed to his opponent’s 65 per cent and brilliantly clinched 35 out of 48 points on it. Yani also struck five aces and
sought 10 break opportunities to dominate.
Yani will square off against the Canadian star, Vasek Pospisil, who upset eighth seeded Jurgen Melzer with a 6-4, 2-0 retirement victory to set up this battle. The Austrian number one was forced to retire from the tournament with a left quadriceps injury
after 55 minutes from start of the match.
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