Irish tennis star fails in Australian Open qualification bid

Saving his best for the clay-court season

James McGee's quest to reach the main draw of the Australian Open fell short today as he lost to local favourite Dane Propoggia in straight sets. McGee had the stronger serving game but, crucially, could not convert break points. McGee could only take advantage of his earned earned break points while Propoggia converted three from three in his 6-3, 6-4 victory. The 27-year-old from Dublin was left flying the Irish flag, on Wednesday, after advancing to the second round of qualifying at the Aussie Open. Compatriot Louk Soronsen was eliminated after going down in straight sets, 6-1, 6-0, to France's Vincent Mellot. McGee fared better against Norbert Gomos, seeded 12 in his Q1 encounter. He lost the first set 6-1 but claimed the next two - 6-3, 6-2 - to progress. By defeating a seed, McGee can take a better path through the qualifiers. McGee reached Q3 last year only to fall at the final qualifying hurdle. He did, however, reach the US Open, last August, and was eliminated after a hard-fought first round. - First posted on January 14