JULIE Pullin is ready face up to the biggest match of her career against Jennifer Capriati in the third round of the Australian Open if she can overcome Jing-Kian Yi in Melbourne tomorrow.

It would be another bonus for the 24-year-old from Hove who won her first main draw singles match at a Grand Slam when she defeated Jane Chi 6-1, 6-3 yesterday to secure her showdown against China's Yi .

And the two-times national champion, a member at Pavilion and Avenue, is in confident mood as she flies the Union Jack alone in the women's event.

But she is not looking beyond Yi with 1992 Olympic champion Capriati, a former Wimbledon semi-finalist, facing 14th-seed Dominque Van Roost from Belgium in the second round.

The British No.2, who also qualified at a Grand Slam for the first time, said: "I really haven't looked at the draw. I never do. It's a superstition of mine. I just want to concentrate on who is in front of me.

"Yi's a tough competitor.I watched her win her first-round match and she played well. She's pretty stubborn and, although she's a wild card, because the competition likes to give one to an Asian player, she only just missed the main draw cut off point. Also she's ranked about 120 , which is about 50 above me.

"But I've nothing to be too afraid of against her. I've beaten her in the past and I've played myself into good form over four matches.

"I've said that if I get a decent draw in a Grand Slam that I could have a run. Up to this one it's usually been a case of getting a difficult draw and being out quickly.It feels a lot different this time. I might be the last Briton in the event but I'm having fun.

"My coach Leighton Alfred phoned me to congratulate me on my win but he was more concerned with the Yi match. He's helped me keep my feet on the ground, to keep me focussed."

Pullin also has a lucky mascot in brother Keith.

She said: "Keith was on holiday but changed his flight home so he could watch me in the qualies. Now he's changed his flight again to watch me in the main draw.

"He works for my boyfriend Martin as a coach and Martin has told him to stay out in Australia because he's bringing me luck."

Pullin is enjoying the limelight.

She said: "People might be thinking 'shock, horror' I'm in the second round of a Grand Slam, but it's nice to get a little attention.

"Obviously it's good for British tennis and I'll be doing my best against Yi."

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