Defending men’s singles champion and number one seed Rinky Hijikata has advanced to the second round of the Health Care Insurance Burnie Tennis International.
Hijikata defeated unseeded Japanese player Takuya Kumasaka in straight sets, 6-4, 6-2.
Number three seed and fallow Aussie Adam Walton has also advanced after eliminating Australia’s Matt Hulme in a close encounter, 7-6, 6-4.
Tournament director Andy Reynolds says the men’s draw is very strong and Hijikata will have to be at his best to go back to back.
The first round in the women’s competition started yesterday, with world number 168, Gabriela Knutson, from the Czech Republic, as the number one seed.
Last year’s winner and number four seed, Australia’s Jamie Fourlis progressed to the second round after beating Spain’s Kaitlin Quevedo 6-4, 1-6, 7-6.
Number two seed, Queensland’s Petra Hon, won her first round match over Great Britain’s Katie Swan.
