"Kami-ame" in Wimbledon for Akiko Morigami

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[SIZE="3"]If "kamikaze" was the divine wind that saved Japan in the 13th century, then it could be said that it was "kami-ame" (divine rain) that saved Akiko Morigami at Wimbledon on Tuesday to "set up an all-Japanese clash at the grasscourt grand slam" . . .[/SIZE]

Akiko Morigami had trailed Russia's Vera Dushevina 6-1 and looked headed for the exit on Monday before Wimbledon's woeful opening-day weather saved her skin.

Japan's number two hit back when play resumed on Tuesday and overhauled her Russian opponent 1-6 6-4 6-2 to set up a second-round clash with Ai Sugiyama.

"I didn't feel too well in the first set and then it was definitely good rain for me," she told reporters after her feat of escapology.

"I found a way to win today, so I'm very happy. I was telling myself, 'well, you never know until you shake hands. I'm just going to compete, I'm just going to try to find a way to win.'

"I think (the secret was) fighting and competing."

Morigami is ranked world number 59, 38 places below her next opponent, Japan's number one Sugiyama.

The pair are due to meet on Thursday . . . more

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