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Strong Start For Cougars At Regional Championships
Jonathan Sanchez and Ivan Kokurin led BYU with key victories.
Oct. 19, 2005 LAS VEGAS, Nevada - BYU wasted no time compiling points for its team total as the Cougars won nine out of 11 matches Wednesday in day one of the Region 7 Championships. "This was phenomenal," said head coach Brad Pearce. "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. Now instead of earning one point for each victory, the two will earn half of a point for their team for each match they win in the back draw. "That's one good thing about this open format," said Pearce. "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. The match-ups guarantee BYU two more points toward its team total, but will also send two players to the back draw, making any victory bittersweet.
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 here.
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