Somdev clears first hurdle at US Open qualifier

Somdev Devvarman kept himself in contention for a berth in the singles main draw of the US Open by advancing to the second round even as it was curtains for compatriot Prakash Amritraj.

Somdev, India's top singles player, scored a facile 6-3, 6-3 win over 16th seed and local lad Alex Bogomolov Jr in the first round of the qualifying event on Tuesday night.

Prakash, on the other hand, had a tough day in office as he played his heart out against 31st seed Alejandro Falla of Colombia, only to lose his opening round qualifying encounter 6-7(5), 6-4, 3-6.

Somdev, meanwhile, was quick in grabbing his chances as he converted all the breakpoints that came his way. He broke the Russian-born American twice in each set to script a convincing win, in one hour and 15 minutes.

"I played a solid match right from the start. I am feeling good going into the US Open Qualifiers as I have prepared well and I hope I will be able to qualify for the main draw," he said after the match.

Somdev will next lock horns with Igor Sijsling of the Netherlands.

If Somdev beats Sijsling, ranked 305th, he will then take on the winner of the match between Jerzy Janowic of Poland and 26th seed Alexandre of France.