Ram and Anderson Ousted, Dent Cruises Into Quarters

Tennis fans in central Illinois were dealt a blow when two crowd favorites were unable to advance to the quarterfinals. First, No. 2 seed, Rajeev Ram, was downed by qualifier Kaden Hensel in straight sets. The rigorous fall schedule finally caught up to Rajeev as a fatigued Ram was unable to come up with big shots on key points. While his run at the JSM Challenger ends, he is satisfied with his 2009 campaign and will receive direct entry into 2010's first Grand Slam.

The defending Singles Champion, Kevin Anderson, battled to the end but was unable to develop a winning game plan against Ricardas Berankis. After being broken late in the first set and early in the second, Anderson couldn't break Berankis' serve. Anderson's early exit at the JSM Challenger will make a more difficult beginning to the 2010 season for the South African. Berankis, a qualifier, will face Hensel in the quarterfinals.

No. 1 seed Kevin Kim moved through to the quarterfinals with a straight set victory over wild card, Blake Strode. In other singles action, Taylor Dent (pictured) earned a straight set victory over Todd Widom and will face 2007 JSM Challenger Singles Champion, Jesse Levine. Levine, a former Florida Gator pulled out a tough three set victory over Ramon Delgado. Other singles winners included Americans Ryan Sweeting and Michael Russell. The final quarterfinalist is qualifier Bjorn Rehnquist of Sweden.

In first round doubles action, the No. 1 seeded team of David Martin and Rajeev Ram outlasted Colt Gaston and Ryan Harrison 6-3, 4-6, 12-10 to keep their hopes of a title alive. Earlier in the day the No. 2 seeded team of Huey and Mankad and the No. 4 seeded team of Emmrich and Siljestrom advanced to the quarterfinals. Other doubles winners included former Illini Ryan Rowe and partner Ashwin Kumar as well as Dominic Inglot and Rylan Rizza.

Thursday, November 19 is the first day of paid general admission. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for students. Play begins at noon. Come see world class tennis professionals showcase their skills at the Atkins Tennis Center. Visit www.illinoischallenger.com frequently for the latest scores, tournament news, and schedules.