BARLETTA, April 12, 2017

The top half of the singles draw was in second round action on Wednesday at the €43,000 Citta’ Della Disfida Open, held at the at the Circolo Tennis Barletta.

The tournament’s number one Gastao Elias defeated Italian Stefano Napolitano 6-4, 6-2. The 26-year-old from Portugal didn’t face a break point, converting three of his own to advance in 66 minutes.

Elias will next play Kimmer Coppejans, who emerged victorious from the all-Belgian-affair with fifth seed Arthur de Greef, winning 6-1, 6-4.

The tournament’s number seven Maximilian Marterer edged past Thomas Fabbiano from Italy 6-2, 7-5. The 21-year-old German capitalized on five of his seven break point chances to seal victory in one hour and 20 minutes.

Next up for Marterer will be another home favourite, as Lorenzo Giustino beat fellow Italian Federico Gaio 6-3, 6-1. The World No. 214 from Naples won 67 per cent of the total points played to prevail in one hour and 26 minutes.