Merimbula's Scott Gardiner and Camden's Emil Thaning won wildcard spots and advanced to the qualifying rounds for two upcoming South East Pro Tour events in Wollongong.
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The 15-year-old boys made it through a field of 10 talented local players aged 14 to 23 chasing two qualifying spots for the two ranking-points tournaments at Beaton Park.
Gardiner will play in the three-day qualifying event beginning on Saturday with the first Pro Tour event to start on November 11.
When the tournament reaches the semi-final stage on November 14, Thaning will begin his three-day qualifying event to try to make the main draw for the second Pro Tour event.
Despite four players withdrawing late from last Sunday's wildcard events the standard was high, with Gardiner and Thaning competing against older and more experienced players.
The wildcard events featured players from Bulli to Merimbula and across the Southern Highlands.
The Pro Tour tournaments are for juniors and seniors and carry vital International Tennis Federation points, which helps a player's ranking and gives them a chance to make the main draw or qualifying of other events.
A player's ranking determines which events they can qualify for ahead of a big season in Australian tennis.
In a significant week for Illawarra tennis, Australian legends Tony Roche and Bill and Lesley Bowrey are the special guests at the Tennis Wollongong Centenary Dinner on Friday night.
