Chang Kai-chen (張凱貞/CNA file photo)

Taipei, Dec. 1 (CNA) Taiwan's Chang Kai-chen (張凱貞) and Hsu Ching-wen (徐竫雯) have qualified for the 2019 Australian Open doubles draw by beating Japanese opponents in the women's doubles final of the Asia-Pacific wildcard play-off in China on Saturday.

The Taiwanese duo, who overcame Chinese opponents Jiang Xinyu and Tang Qianhui the previous day, topped Erina Hayashi and Miharu Imanishi of Japan 6-2, 1-6, 1-0 (12-10) in 80 minutes.

Chang, who is also competing in the women's singles tournament, beat Japanese Chihiro Muramatsu 6-3, 6-3 in the semifinals to reach the final earlier in the day.

She will play Peng Shuai of China on Sunday for a spot in the Australian Open women's singles draw.

The Australian Open Asia-Pacific Wildcard Play-off (AWP), which is open to all nationals from the region with a world ranking of 105 or higher for men and women (excluding Australians), is being held in Zhuhai.

The Australian Open is the first Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year and will take place in 2019 from Jan. 14 to 27.

(By Huang Chiao-wen and Ko Lin)
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