ATHENS, Ga. — LSU’s Cory Ross won two matches Thursday to advance to the main draw of the Southeastern Conference Indoor Championships.
Ross fell behind early in his first match to Mississippi State’s Romain Provenzano, but rallied to a 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 win.
“Cory did really well,” LSU head coach Jeff Brown said. “[Provenzano] came out smoking, but he hung with him and found a way to win.”
Ross also brought his next opponent, Kentucky’s Matt Allinder, to a third set before putting him away, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3.
LSU freshman Danny Bryan lost his first match of the morning to Alex Hume of Kentucky.
“Danny ran into a guy with a little more experience today,” Brown said.
The rest of the Tigers will begin competition Friday in the singles main draw. Peter Richman, Jason Hazley, Sebastian Rutka and Bryan Fisher each play singles matches in the morning’s round of 64. Ken Skupski earned a first round bye and will play at 7:30 p.m. in the round of 32.
“All tomorrow’s matches are going to be tough,” Brown said. “A lot of our guys are playing people that play higher than them in their lineups so it will be a challenge.”
COACHES’ SEC INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS — DAY ONE
First Round
Alex Hume (UK) def. Danny Bryan (LSU), 6-2, 6-2
Cory Ross (LSU) def. Romain Provenzano (MSU), 4-6, 6-3, 6-1
Second Round
Cory Ross (LSU) def. Matt Allinder (UK), 6-1, 3-6, 6-3