AMBATO/STARNBERG, October 17, 2022

For the second consecutive year, the ATP Challenger Tour is back in Ambato, Ecuador for the Ambato La Gran Ciudad tournament. The $53,120 clay-court event is being held from October 16 to 23 at the Club Tungurahua. Ambato is located in the central Andean valley of Ecuador and is the capital of the province of Tungurahua, at an elevation of 2,577 meters above sea level.

Home favourite Andres Andrade, 23, will make his debut in a main draw of an ATP Challenger Tour event. The wild card entry, currently ranked World No. 678, will take on French alternate Sean Cuenin.

“I don’t know Sean, I know he’s younger than me, but I think every match here is going to be difficult, no matter the ranking. I’m looking forward to playing, it’s my first Challenger and I’m happy to play here,” said Andrade, who played college tennis for the University of Florida last year.

The field is led by World No. 123 Juan Pablo Varillas of Peru, who will open his title bid against a qualifier.

Qualifying kicked off Sunday with the first five players earning a spot in the second round.

Sunday Results

Qualifying – First Round

Kiranpal Pannu NZL a Nelson Ramos ECU 7-6(1) 6-4

Sriram Balaji IND a Henry Barrett USA  6-2 6-1

Kosuke Ogura JPN a Daniel Espin ECU 6-1 6-4

Igor Gimenez BRA a Marcos Chan ECU 6-2 6-2

Courtney Lock ZIM a Patricio Alvarado ECU 6-4 6-2