Tennis: Ireland's Louk Sorensen has qualified for the top tier of the Aircel Chennai Open after a three-set -2 6-7 (6/8) 6-2 win over home-favourite Yuki Bhambri in India today.
The Stuttgart native, ranked 293 in the world, will face France’s Stephane Robert (108th) in the first round proper tomorrow after he won his third qualifier in two hours 26 minutes to book his place in the final 32 for the €278,000 event.
He was very nearly joined by Conor Niland but the Limerick man was beaten 1-6 6-1 7-6 (7/4) in the third round by Belgium’s Steve Darcis (122nd).
Sorensen is entering the main draw for an ATP tour event for the first time after two attempts last year and now finds himself alongside the likes of world number eight Robin Soderling.
Last week, both he and Niland qualified to take part in next month’s Australian Open, along with John Morrissey and Sam Barry, who will be flying the flag in the Under-18 boys’ singles competition.