Poor Alexis lost the second set t-b 10-8. After having had a couple of set points.

But that's a good score against a top 450 player.

Alexis fought hard but eventually went down 7-5 7-6(8). He had at least 2 SPs in the 2nd set TB. What a pity, but a great effort.

Dan will therefore play Tobias Simon in the FQR.

Edit

So pretty much what David and CD said really.

-- Edited by Bob in Spain on Sunday 20th of May 2018 01:17:32 PM

Official press release on the day's play with quotes from Evans and Houghton


EVANS THROUGH TO FINAL ROUND OF QUALIFYING AT LOUGHBOROUGH TROPHY

Britains former No.2 Dan Evans has continued his run to the Loughborough Trophy Main Draw, defeating Irelands Sam Barry 64 64 in round two of Qualifying.

Evans recently defeated Barry to make the Main Draw at last month's Glasgow Trophy ATP Challenger tournament and credited his consistent service game for the win at Loughborough University on Sunday.

Thats what I was most happy with was my serve, said Evans who will now play Germanys Tobias Simon for a place in the Mens Singles Main Draw.

My service games I took care of pretty easily, I played some good points on the bigger points so that was good.

I played pretty good, I thought he played well and its good to just get through and hopefully qualify tomorrow.

After saving two break points early in the first set, Evans looked stronger as the match continued and went on to break Barrys service game twice while saving his own break points a further four times.

In the days other results, Wildcard and Loughborough Universitys own George Houghton was out-classed by Austrias Jurij Rodionov 63 64.

Despite a vocal crowd full of Houghtons peers, Rodionovs experience which includes making the quarter-finals of Junior Wimbledon in 2017 proved too much for the Sports Science student.

I think I had a couple of chances where I maybe played a few loose points which didnt help my cause but all-in-all I think it was quite good, he only got one break in each set and it all came down to a couple of points, said a boyant Houghton.

This is my first Challenger and on a stadium court, Ive never played out here like this before. Its definitely the biggest crowd Ive been in front of. Its a nice experience and a lot to take forward, now I wont be so nervous next time if Im playing in front of a big crowd.

Houghton will play Doubles in the Main Draw alongside compatriot Billy Harris.

For Rodionov, the match was a confidence boost after a six week layoff due to injury.

I was injured for one-and-a-half months, I had an injury on my elbow but now I am completely recovered and I start to play tournaments again and I feel very comfortable," he said.

The start was pretty tough for the first four months of the year but now I feel good.

I will try to play my best and try to qualify for the first time this year for a Challenger and just try to enjoy the match as much as possible."

I think the live streaming starts tomorrow

Britfest on Centre tomorrow. Dan is second on followed by Alex, Ed and the all-Brit clash

L32: (WC) James Ward WR 614 v (WC) Lloyd Glasspool WR 452
L32: (WC) Ed Corrie WR 444 v (6) Cem Ilkel (TUR) WR 276
L32: Alex Ward WR 328 v Maximilian Neuchrist (AUT) WR 295
L32: (WC) Luke Bambridge WR 589 v Qualifier

Stream on facebook
www.facebook.com/britishtennislta/videos/1984167431596376/