Wollongong NSW, Australia, 15 November 2015 | David Packman

Queenslander Ben Mitchell has eased his way into the final of the 2015 Tennis Wollongong International with a 6-1 7-6(6) victory over third seed Jose Statham on Saturday.

“I’m always pretty up for matches against Jose,” Mitchell said. “I know he’s a very good player and obviously one of the best here at this tournament.”

While the pair had not met since 2011, it was the fifth straight victory for Mitchell – the second seed in Wollongong – over the Kiwi.

“I’m returning extremely well, that’s probably the biggest thing,” 22-year-old Mitchell said of his current form, which includes winning his maiden ATP Challenger title in Canberra last week.

“I’ve only been broken twice this whole tournament as well, so it shows I’m ticking all the right boxes.”

It was not a good day for the New Zealanders; Statham’s compatriot, fifth seed Finn Tearney, fell to unseeded German Sebastian Fanselow 6-4 6-2 in the tournament’s other semifinal.

Fanselow, whose current career-high ranking of world No.628 reflects a recent quarterfinal appearance in Canberra, is enjoying a fruitful Pro Tour and will be eager to further his success on Australian soil.

“He’s a good player and a nice guy off the court as well,” Mitchell said of his upcoming opponent. “He’s played a great tournament and it will be a tough match tomorrow.”

Live scores of all Australian Pro Tour events are available at www.tennis.com.au/protour/scores and for a live stream of selected events visit www.tennis.com.au/protour.