SAVANNAH, April 24, 2015

Quarterfinals action dominated the day today at the St. Joseph’s/ Candler Savannah Challenger. Kicking off singles action was a thrilling three set match between Jared Donaldson and Bjorn Fratangelo.  Donaldson took the first set in a close tie break, but quickly lost his momentum with Fratangelo taking the next two sets.  Fratangelo won 6-7(6), 6-3, 6-0 in two hours and 18 minutes.

Bjorn Fratangelo reached his second Challenger semi-final of the season ( (photo: Jacob Stuckey – SJ/C Savannah Challenger)

Next up was a battle of the seeds. No.4 seed and only 18-year-old Hyeon Chung defeated No. 5 seed Gastao Elias, 6-2, 6-4 in one hour and 29 minutes kicking in 65% of his first serves.

Hyeon Chung made it into the fifth semi-final of the season (photo: Jacob Stuckey – SJ/C Savannah Challenger)

Following this match, No.1 seed Tim Smyczek took on Dublin native James McGee.  McGee powered through the first set taking it 6-0.  In the second set Smyczek attempted to make a comeback, but McGee but a stop to it, powering in deep ground strokes and converting six break Points sealing victory in 64 minutes.

James McGee advanced to his third semi-final this year (photo: Jacob Stuckey – SJ/C Savannah Challenger)

In the final match of the day, 17-year-old wild card Francis Tiafoe defeated Mitch Krueger 6-2, 7-6(3) in one hour and 29 minutes.  Tiafoe hit in a astounding 81% of his first serves and only gave up two double faults.  Tiafoe will face James McGee tomorrow with hopes of advancing to his first Challenger final.

Frances Tiafoe is ranked on career high 450th position (photo: Jacob Stuckey – SJ/C Savannah Challenger)