GORDON REID'S bid to reach the final of the Australian Open men's wheelchair singles was dashed by the world number one on Thursday.

But the Helensburgh hero's dream of a 23rd career Grand Slam doubles crown is still very much alive - though rain in Melbourne delayed his attempt to reach the doubles final alongside fellow Brit Alfie Hewett.

The former Hermitage Academy pupil made it through to the semi-finals after defeating two Dutch opponents, Maikel Scheffers and Tom Egberink, in straight sets.

Victory over Egberink earned Reid a last four tie against the world number two, Tokito Oda - but despite pushing the tournament's second seed all the way in two absorbing sets, it was the Japanese player who prevailed, winning 7-6 (4), 7-5.

Oda will now face Hewett in the final after the Norfolk man beat Joachim Gerard of Belgium 6-4, 6-1 to reach his 17th Grand Slam singles final.

The two Brits, who are both supported by the LTA's Wheelchair Elite Programme, will have to wait until Friday for their doubles semi-final after rain delayed their last four tie against the Japanese pair of Daisuke Arai and Takashi Sanada.

Reid and Hewett are aiming for their fifth successive Australian Open title and their 19th Grand Slam crown as a partnership.

 

Should they win their semi-final on Friday, the final is scheduled for later in the day.