Melbourne VIC, Australia, 28 March 2015 | By David Packman

Top seed Jordan Thompson has reached the final of the 2015 Melbourne Park Men’s International after dispatching fourth seed and former world No.75 Victor Crivoi 7-5 6-0 on Saturday.

While the experienced 32-year-old Romanian currently sits at No. 426, it nonetheless represents a solid win for the Sydneysider, who has gone from strength to strength on clay this week after a struggle to overcome Queensland wildcard Jake Jaede in the opening round.

“Much improved since the first two rounds,” Thompson said of his form. “I’m getting a few more hours on clay and playing a lot better.”

The win continues the 20-year-old’s momentum from the quarterfinals, where he put his fellow New South Welshman Matt Reid to the sword, defeating the sixth seed 6-2 6-0.

Currently ranked world No.243, Thompson now faces Jose (Rubin) Statham, who upset third seed Dane Propoggia 7-6(9) 6-0 in the second of the semifinals played on Saturday.

After saving three set points in the opener, Statham powered through the second set with little resistance from Propoggia, further building on what has been a stand out tournament for the unseeded Kiwi. Statham – who is based in Melbourne – took care of second seeded German Peter Torebko in his previous match.

“I know what to expect (from Statham),” Thompson said of the upcoming final. “It’s just a matter of putting it into practice.

“A win would be great, getting another title under my belt. Especially one in Australia.”

With an Australian now up against a New Zealander in the final at Melbourne Park on Sunday morning, it will serve as an interesting prelude to the afternoon’s Cricket World Cup final between the two rival nations being hosted at the Melbourne Cricket Ground just a stone’s throw away.