LAS VEGAS -- BYU wasted no time getting started as the Cougars won nine out of 11 matches Wednesday in day one of the Region 7 Championships.
"This was phenomenal,"head coach Brad Pearce said. "I don't know of another team that did that well on the first day."
Jonathan Sanchez and Ivan Kokurin led BYU with key victories over seeded players. After his first round win, Sanchez cruised through the second round, defeating No. 27 seed Trevor Johnson in straight sets 6-3, 6-1. As Sanchez finished his match, Kokurin was preparing to meet No.32 seed Tejeshwara Chigateri. Kokurin seemed to have little trouble with his opponent, beating him handily 6-2, 6-2.
"I'm pleased with our quality of play today," Pearce said of his team. "Across the board each of our players was well prepared for this tournament."
Only two Cougars lost on the day, but their team still needs them to perform well, as they can still help their team advance by playing well in the back draw.
"That's one good thing about this open format,"Pearce said. "Every match counts."
However, the open draw format has its weaknesses as well. By playing so well in the first two rounds, the Cougars are now forced to play against themselves. Nima Roshan will square off against Dominik Kaufhold and Jonathan Sanchez takes on teammate James Ludlow in the third round.
Whether playing against themselves or opponents from other schools, BYU will take the court again Thursday for day two of the Region 7 Championships. Opening matches for the doubles draw will be played as well. Brackets and results will be posted as matches are completed and can be found at:
http://tournaments.usta.com/tournaments/TournamentHome/Tournament.aspx?T=44407
RESULTS
DAY 1:
Roshan def Halligan 6-0, 6-3
Kaufhold def Houck 6-2, 6-2
Lechuga def Erickson 6-2, 6-1
Ueltschi def Lechuga 6-2, 6-3
Hand def Tyden 6-1, 6-0
Sanchez def Lau 6-1, 6-3
Sanchez def Chigateri 6-2, 6-2
Ludlow def Pinho 6-3, 6-4
Vaughan def Warren 6-0, 6-1
Kokurin def Yemm 6-0, 6-2
Kokurin def Johnon 6-3, 6-1