Summer/Hughes storm through in California

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Sara Hughes (left) and Lauren Fendrick in action together in Fort Lauderdale in 2017 - but they were on opposite sides of the court today

New American women’s team Summer Ross and Sara Hughes continued their impressive start to the Huntington Beach Open as two wins over two fellow US teams leaves them one win from a place in the semifinals.

Summer and Sara, who joined forces after the Fort Lauderdale Major, beat Stockman/Larsen on Friday morning before they battled to a straight sets win over their former partners Brooke Sweat and Lauren Fendrick. Ross – who finished with bronze in Fort Lauderdale with Sweat – and Hughes now play Brazilian FTL Major champs Barbara and Fernanda for a guaranteed place in the semifinal.

Also on another hectic day in Huntington, Commonwealth Games gold medalists Sarah Pavan and Melissa Humana-Paredes edged a thrilling match on center court against home favorites Alix Klineman and April Ross. The Canadians, the number one team in the world, lost the first set 27-29 and were down in the second before triumphing in the decider 15-12. Sarah and Melissa now face Brazilians Maria Antonelli/Carol.

There are four women’s teams in a strong contender’s bracket from the United States,and they face competition from the likes of Laboureur/Sude and Bieneck/Schneider of Germany and Brazilians Agatha/Duda.

First serve on Saturday is at 8.30 PST on the penultimate day of action in California with the semifinal and finals set to take place on Sunday.