ATP $100,000 Challenger underway

A HOST of international and British stars are in action at the inaugural Loughborough Trophy title, which is taking place at the Loughborough Sport Tennis Centre at Loughborough University.

The new $100,000 ATP Challenger event runs until Sunday (May 27) and features a 32 singles main draw, as well as a 16 pair doubles draw.

Britain’s James Ward has capitalised on his wildcard entry to the event, getting the better of compatriot Lloyd Glasspool in straight sets to advance to the second round. Ward fired down 10 aces to seal the match 7-5 6-1 in just one hour and nine minutes.

“I served really well throughout the whole match, I returned well. I made a lot of balls, put a lot of pressure on him,” the Brit reflected. “I think I was a bit unlucky not to break him a few more times in the first set, as well.”

Other first round results saw Maximilian Neuchrist (AUT) defeat Britain’s Alex Ward 7-6(3) 7-6(4) and Edward Corrie (GBR) go down to Cem Ilkel (TUR) 6-3 6-4.

Earlier in the day, Britain’s Dan Evans successfully made it through to the tournament’s main draw, defeating Germany’s Tobias Simon in a second set tie-break 6-4 7-6(5).

The result is an encouraging return to the sport for the Birmingham born player, earning five ranking points in addition to the points he secured at last month’s Glasgow Trophy.

As the Echo went to press, Evans was set to face No.2 Seed Max Purcell (AUS) before pairing with Glasspool in the doubles against Scott Duncan (GBR) / Isaac Stoute (GBR).