Indians fail to advance beyond second round in ITF Futures event

Mumbai, Nov 19 (UNI) The Indian challenge ended here today with all its players crashing out in the second round of the 15,000 dollar ITF Futures tourney here today.

On a day when two seeds were sent packing, the biggest upset came when fifth seed M Stratling of Germany was shown the door by the Uzbek player Vaja Uzakov losing in a tough three setter at 3-6, 7-6 (0), 3-6.

The fifth seed was slow to start and Uzakov took advantage of it by pocketing the first set at 6-3. Stratling, however came back strongly to take the second set at 7-6 winning the tir-break at 0.

However, in the hot weather, Stratling showed signs of tiredness and the Uzbek cashed in on that to win the third at 6-4 to enter the quarterfinals.

The Indian sixth seed Divij Sharan was also ousted when he lost to Czech player David Sodek in another three setter. The Czech won at 7-6 (7), 3-6, 6-4 to book his quarterfinal berth.

Meanhwile the top seed A Satschko of Germany had no problems in dispatching his countrymate Mario Eckardt in straight sets at 6-0, 6-4 to enter the quarters.

The other Indians to fall by the wayside were Vishnu Vardhan and R Virali-Murugesan.

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