THE Canberra Velocity overcame the absence of its two top-ranked players to storm into the national finals of the Asia-Pacific Tennis League.
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With junior Australian Open champion Nick Kyrgios and Alex Bolt unavailable, the Velocity upset the Sydney Olympic Rebels 4-2 at Sydney Olympic Park on Friday night.
The Velocity women's team also secured its place among the best in the country thanks to a 4-2 victory against the Stanmore Wyverns.
The national finals will be held at Melbourne Park in January during the second week of the Australian Open.
Former professional Alun Jones turned back the clock to play a leading role in the Velocity taking out the NSW-ACT final.
The 33-year-old defeated Ryan Henry 4-2, 4-2 in his singles match before teaming up with Jake Eames to beat Henry and Luke Bourgeois 3-4 (4), 4-3 (3), (10-8) in a super tie-breaker.
Jones, who had a career-high singles ranking of 123 in 2007, praised Eames and youngster James Frawley for making the most of their opportunities.
Frawley stunned seasoned professional Adam Feeney 4-0, 4-3 (3) in the opening rubber to set the tone for the rest of the tie.
''Jake Eames has been really consistent for us and is five from five in the league,'' Jones said.
''James Frawley really stepped up and beat a guy [Feeney] who has been consistently in the top 300 in the world in the first match and put the pressure on the other team.
''It's quite amazing how well the ACT is doing at the senior level.''
Kyrgios' availability for the national finals depends on his progress at the Australian Open.
''It's a good chance to play in front of some crowds and soak in the atmosphere,'' Jones said.
''If we have our strongest line-up, I'll probably sit out singles, but I'll definitely be down there trying to play some kind of role.''