Bhambri downs Polansky; to face Baghdatis in Oz Open 1st round Melbourne, Jan 14 (PTI) Continuing his good form from thelast season, Yuki Bhambri today qualified for the AustralianOpen with a come-from-behind win but Ramkumar Ramanathanmissed out on his maiden Grand Slam appearance.
The 25-year old Bhambri overcame a first set lapse totame Canadian Peter Polansky 1-6 6-3 6-3 in the third andfinal qualifying round in one hour and 55 minutes.
He will take on Cyprus' seasoned star Marcos Baghdatis,who was a finalist here in 2006.
It will be third Australian Open men's singles main drawfor Bhambri who had lost in the first round in 2015 and 2016to Andy Murray and Tomas Berdych respectively.
Meanwhile, Ramkumar had a break chance in the fifth gameof the decider but could not convert and eventually lost histhird round match 4-6 6-4 4-6 to Canadian Vasek Pospisil.
At Grand Slams, it is Ramkumar's best show, reaching thefinal qualifying round.
Bhambri, who was junior world number one, had wonAustralian Open boys singles tile here in 2009 and has playedonly at this Grand Slam in the main draw since turning Pro.
Asked what makes him perform at Melbourne Park, Bhambritold PTI," I don't know what makes me play better here. Maybethe conditions suit me or I am just familiar with it becauseI have played here before." In his first two attempts, Bhambri could not make much ofthe chance as he drew very strong opponents for his openingmatches.
"I am hoping that I can win a few rounds in the maindraw," said Bhambri, who won his sixth ATP Challenger title inPune in November.
Asked about the first set against the Canadian worldnumber 140, Bhambri said,"It was a nervous start but once Igot my rhythm, I started playing more freely." PTI ATAT.
This is unedited, unformatted feed from the Press Trust of India wire.