KNOXVILLE, November 9, 2017

John-Patrick Smith knocked out top seed Tennys Sandgren from the United States in Wednesday’s first round matches at the $75,000 Knoxville Challenger. The 28-year-old Australian saved the only break point he faced, converting one of his own to advance in one hour and 36 minutes.

Smith will next challenge British lucky loser Edward Corrie, who edged past US-American Kevin King 6-2, 7-5.

Fourth seed Cameron Norrie from Great Britain also fell in the opening round. The World No. 115 lost to Denis Kudla from the United Stated 4-6, 6-3, 3-6. Kudla will face his compatriot and wild card entry Jared Hiltzik next. With US-American young guns Stefan Kozlov and Tommy Paul two more seeded players lost on Wednesday.

Henri Laaksonen will remain the highest ranked player left in the singles draw. The World No. 105 from Switzerland cruised past Timo Stodder from Germany 6-4, 6-4 in only 57 minutes to await Canadian Brayden Schnur in the second round.