KAARST, January 31, 2018

Three seeeded players lost in their first round matches on Wednesday at the $15,000 Kirschbaum International powered by Neusser REHA held at the Tespo Sportpark.

Top seed Juan Pablo Ficovich of Argentina fell to Mick Lescure from France 6-1, 4-6, 6-7. The 24-year-old from Champs-sur-Marne, who captured two ITF Futures titles last year, won 10 points less than his opponent but clinched the tie-break of the final set 7-5 to prevail after two hours and three minutes. Lescure will next challenge German qualifier Kai Wehnelt.

With Juan Pablo Paz, the tournament’s No. 3, also lost in the opening round. Germany’s Peter Torebko knocked out the 23-year-old Argentine 7-6, 3-6, 6-3. Torebko fired 13 aces, winning 69 per cent of his first service points to finish the topsy turvy encounter after two hours and 12 minutes.

“This was the best match of the day,” most of the people, who followed the action from the stands, commented.

The World No. 546 will next face compatriot Mats Rosenkranz. The wild card entry battled past qualifier Christoph Negritu 6-4, 3-6, 6-1.

Later in the day, seven-time ATP Challenger champion Igor Sijsling stepped into action. The former World No. 52 from the Netherlands defeated eighth favourite Fabien Reboul from France 6-4, 6-4. Sijsling capitalized on three of his 11 break point opportunities to secure victory in one hour and 26 minutes. The 30-year-old will play Hugo Voljacques in the second round.