ADAM Fraser fought off the attentions of Jon Mason to book a place in the last eight of the men’s singles at the Weymouth Town Tournament.

Early rain threatened the timetable but soon cleared to allow a full evening’s play – much to the relief of organiser Rhose Lawes.

The later rounds are now beginning to take shape with some exciting match-ups in prospect involving the area’s best players.

Fraser kicked off the evening’s action by negotiating a tricky last-16 encounter in straight sets.

On his day Mason is capable of blasting opponents off-court with big serving and groundstrokes but the blustery conditions favoured the wily Fraser as he grabbed an early break and kept his nose in front throughout the set.

Mason then hit back early in the second with some stinging winners as the skies cleared but just as it looked as if the match could go the distance, Fraser battled his way back into the set by varying the pace of his shots to unbalance Mason and take the last four games.

Fraser now moves into the quarter-finals where he will be the underdog against Dorchester’s impressive youngster Justin Smith.

Smith was in action with Kieron Morrissey in the men’s doubles in a match against the busy Fraser and his partner Mark Henman that would decide who won their group.

The clash was level pegging at one set apiece but the younger pair – Smith and Morrissey – were not to be denied and they unleashed a furious assault to race into a 5-0 lead before holding off a late comeback to win 6-3.

The successful duo will now face Ed Evans and Jon Mason from the opposing group after they defeated Paul Mason and Matthew Brook to clinch second place.

Fraser and Henman should also make it through to the next stage but will face the daunting prospect of taking on clear favourites Julien Lawes and Tom Legg.

In the mixed doubles, mother and son duo Sarah and Ben Skidmore eased into the semi-finals with an impressive win over Bridport’s Caroline and Alan Cash, and on that form, could well be contesting Saturday’s final.

Joy Hennessy continued her good form in the ladies’ singles by defeating Gemma Alcock and now appears to be the most likely challenger to Amy Nicholson in Saturday’s showdown.

RESULTS Men’s singles: Adam Fraser bt Jon Mason 6-3, 6-3.

Ladies’ Singles: Joy Hennessy by Gemma Alcock 6-0, 6-0.

Men’s doubles: Julien Lawes & Tom Legg bt Billy Blackmore & Bobby Whitely 6-0, 6-1; Paul Mason & Matthew Brook bt Chris Lawes & Matt Lawes 6-0, 6-0; Ed Evans & Jon Mason bt Matthew Brook & Paul Mason 6-2, 6-2; Kieron Morrissey & Justin Smith bt Adam Fraser & Mark Henman 6-2, 3-6, 6-3.

Mixed doubles: Sarah Skidmore & Ben Skidmore bt Caroline Cash & Alan Cash 6-3, 6-2.