New Delhi: India's number one singles player Somdev Devvarman advanced to the second round with a straight set victory but sixth seed Yuki Bhambri made a shock first round exit from the ONGC-GAIL Delhi Open, here
today. Second seed Somdev brushed aside the challenge of wild card compatriot Karunuday Singh 6-2 7-5 in one hour and 28 minutes while Yuki squandered a match point against Frenchman Lucas Pouille to be knocked out with a 6-2 5-7 5-7 scoreline in two hours and 20 minutes at R K Khanna Tennis stadium.


Somdev Devvarman 

Karunuday, playing only his second main draw at a Challenger event, began well by serving out the first game at love with an ace but keeping the points short was a big task against Somdev, who has amazing ability to retrieve the ball. The two players were happy playing from the baseline and it only helped Somdev, who sent many a balls short but Karunuday did not latch on to them. Rather he kept the ball in play and there it was difficult to outrally Somdev. "It was strange.