Irish pair making inroads Down Under

IRELAND’S Conor Niland and Louk Sorensen have advanced to the final round of the Australian Open qualifying.

After his first round win Wednesday, 288-ranked Niland yesterday edged Jesse Witten (USA), 2-6, 6-1, 6-4 at Melbourne Park.

And world No 287 Sorensen ended the main draw hopes of another American, 158-ranked Michael Yani 6-4, 3-6, 6-3.