New Zealand Open SF: An All-Gilis Final As Tinne Gilis Beats Tesni Evans

Tinne Gilis will face sister Nele in the final of the Barfoot & Thompson New Zealand Open after beating Wales’ Tesni Evans in straight games.

Gilis, who has faced off against her sister Nele in three PSA finals already, got off to a flying start against the No.3 seed, taking the first two games 11-6, 11-4 as Evans struggled.

The Welshwoman improved in game three, making a fast start as she went 5-1 up.

Eventually, though, Gilis was able to reel in her lead, catching up at 8-8 and going on to clinch it 11-9.

“I’m so happy. It’s the last tournament of the year so it’s always a bigger push that you have to give.

“It’s always hard against Tes and we always have tough battles. It’s her first tournament back after injury but she still didn’t make it easy and I had to fight for every point.

‘I really enjoyed it and the crowd was amazing!”

Result: Barfoot & Thompson New Zealand Open Women’s Semi-Final

[2] Tinne Gilis (BEL) bt [3] Tesni Evans (WAL) 3-0: 11-6, 11-4, 11-9 (28m)