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AAP
AAP
Sport
Melissa Woods

Birrell survives marathon to book Australian Open start

Kimberly Birrell couldn't hide her emotions after winning through to the Australian Open main draw. (James Ross/AAP PHOTOS)

Australia's top-ranked woman Kimberly Birrell will play in next week's Australian Open after finishing on top in a roller-coaster battle in her final qualifying match.

Birrell burst into tears after finally overcoming Oksana Selekhmeteva 6-3 6-7 (4-7) 6-4, with the Melbourne Park clash lasting almost three hours.

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