"Girl from Oz" Knocks Off Second Seed

Before his show-stopping performance on Broadway in "The Boy from Oz," Australian actor Hugh Jackman starred on stage in London's West End production of "Oklahoma!" Tuesday in Houston, an Aussie lass with Oklahoma ties posted one of her biggest career wins.

Nineteen-year-old Gabby Baker outlasted second-seed Diana Ospina of the US in three sets during opening round play of the Houston Pro Tennis Classic at The Downtown Club at The Met.

Baker just completed her freshman year as a member of the University of Oklahoma women's tennis team. Becoming a Sooner has been a plus for the native of Australia's Gold Coast.

"I love it at OU," Baker said. "Playing on the USTA Pro Circuit Tour, I'm a long way from my coach back home. Being a part of a college program means I get good coaching and training."

Baker entered this week's Houston tournament with a world ranking of 704, while Ospina was rated in the world's top 260.

"My biggest win was over the 82nd-ranked player a year and a half ago," Baker said. "At tournament's like these, all the players have loads of talent, but this was a good win for me."

Play continues Wednesday with sessions starting at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Today's news
Australian Gabby Baker was an upset winner over second-seeded Diana Ospina on Tuesday

Lauren Imre of the US returns a backhand in the opening round of the Houston Pro Tennis Classic