Ricardo Mello, Michael Russell advance to the main draw – US Men’s Clay Court Championship 2012
Ricardo Mello beats Catalin-lonut Gard 6-3, 6-3
Seeded third in the qualifying draw, Ricardo Mello of Brazil downed Catalin-lonut Gard of Romania in twin sets 6-3, 6-3 in the final qualifier at the US Men’s Clay Court Championship in Houston on Monday.
Mello and Gard retained their serve in the first six games of the opening set, taking the score to 3-3. The Brazilian snatched three games in a row after that, claiming it 6-3.
The 31-year-old pounded three aces and won 14 of the 20 points on the first serves. The left-hander relied on his accurate returns to win most of the points, pocketing nine of the 22 first and seven of the 14 second replies in
the opener.
Gard was looking to come back in the match, as he struck in the very first game of the second set and consolidated on it to go up 2-0. The Romanian maintained his lead till 3-1 but it was all Mello show after that, as he grabbed
five consecutive games to close it 6-3.
The Brazilian’s serve was not up to the mark, failing to deliver any ace and committing two double faults. However, he impressed on the first returns, as he captured eight of the 13 points on them in the second set.
It took Mello an hour and 31 minutes to topple Gard in a one-sided encounter.
Mello will take on American, Ryan Sweeting, in the opening round of the main draw.
Michael Russell defeats Daniel Kosakowski 6-4, 6-1
Fourth seed, Michael Russell of USA, made short work of his opponent, as he prevailed over compatriot, Daniel Kosakowski, in straight sets 6-4, 6-1 to book his place in the main draw. The American needed an hour and 24 minutes
to claim victory.
Russell grabbed a 3-1 lead, as he struck in the third game but dropped next two, levelling the score at 3-3. The American hit a blow again in the 10th game to seal it 6-4.
The 33-year-old failed to avoid the only break threat he faced but compensated that by availing two of the four of his own opportunities in the opener.
Russell never looked back after that, as he allowed his countryman to win only one game, making double breakthrough in the second set to clinch it 6-1.
The American sent outstanding replies to his opponent’s second serves, grabbing five of the seven points on them.
Russell is slated to meet Daniel Gimeno-Traver of Spain in the opening match of the main round.
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