4 Brits make the attempt to qualify here, and it is the usual suspects making another attempt to make the main draw
(16) Phillip Barlow vs. Ivan Arenas-Guilda (SPA) Oliver White vs. Miguel-Angel Solbes-Llorenes (SPA) John Rambotas vs. Javier Peris-Inigo (SPA) (9) Richard Brooks vs. Diego Puerto-Jaimez (SPA)
(16) Phillip Barlow defeated Ivan Arenas-Guilda (SPA) 2-6 6-0 6-4 Oliver White defeated Miguel-Angel Solbes-Llorenes (SPA) 6-2 4-6 7-6(4) John Rambotas lost to Javier Peris-Inigo (SPA) 6-2 6-3 (9) Richard Brooks defeated Diego Puerto-Jaimez (SPA) 6-1 6-3
Well done to the 3 Brits so far, so hopefully they can go that 1 step further and make the main draw. Brooks probably has the best chance to do so, but if the others play well then they can make it as well
There is a chance that James Ward is the main draw here, as he has turned up in the doubles draw partnering Antoine Champagne (BEL), so either he has got DE, or has been given a WC here
Philip Barlow has made it through to the main draw - QR3 Results (16) Philip Barlow defeated Miguel Olaso-De La Rica 7-5 6-0 Oliver White lost to (15) Pablo Martin-Adalia 6-1 6-1 (9) Richard Brooks lost to Inigo Cervantes-Huegun 3-6 6-2 6-1
Philip plays Mathieu Guenat (WR648) of Switzerland in the First Round James Ward was given a WC and meets the Spanish Number 3 seed Pedro Clar-Rossello (WR533)
I know they have had poor draws but really a sure sign of one of our players possibly breaking through by beating top seeds in futures events should be something we crave. im sure when Morgan Phillips starting beating top seeds in events prior to getting injured got us all excited.
Shame there for Ward. With so many players retiring and gap of players in top 300 to the next set growing, we really need players like Ward to make that next jump up the rankings.
Good to see Ward back on Spanish soil though. Nice to get LTA support and some wc's but can't help thinking he'd have racked up more points staying in Spain! Loved watching him at Queens. Be good to see him add some weight to his frame in the gym. Then come over for the grass season whens he's made it to 400-500 and he'll stand a better chance imo. From what I could tell (and this is opinion, so please nobody jump on my back for eavesdropping!) the Brit coaches at Queens and Mr P.Hutchins himself were pretty pleased with Mr Ward and have quite high hopes!
Barlow is at least qualifying consistently now and I'm sure he'll score some more points soon.
