Lebedev advances at All-American Walters wins in S.C.

TULSA, Okla. – Razorback Dmitry Lebedev came back from being down a set to beat Claudio Romano of Central Florida on the first day of pre-qualifying play at the D’Novo All-American Championships. Lebedev dropped the first set 5-7 before taking the next two sets, 6-4, 6-1.

“Dmitry advancing through to the second round today is wonderful,” said Arkansas coach Robert Cox. “I look forward to seeing what he does tomorrow.”

At the South Carolina Invitational in Columbia, S.C., Matt Walters won his match against Thomas Stoddard of South Carolina, 7-6(0), 6-2.

“Matt played strong today and I hope to see more strong play from him all weekend,” Cox said.

Arkansas’ Connor Smith, Bradwin Williams, Taylor Tarnasky, Nick Spinazze, Taylor King and Tariq Ismail were also in action Friday against South Carolina on the singles courts.

In doubles, Razorbacks Williams and King fought hard before losing to Pedro Campos and Ivan Machado of South Carolina 9-8(2). Also playing doubles were Tarnasky and partner Spinazze, and Smith and Walters.

“I was pleased with the way our guys competed today, especially in doubles,” Cox said. “We played very hard, very spirited doubles and I am excited about watching them play through Sunday.”

Back in action at the All-American tournament on Saturday are Arkansas netters Lebedev and Chris Nott, who had a first-round bye. Lebedev will face Jeff Dawson of Yale at 8 a.m. and Nott will play Johan Beigart of Central Florida at 12:30 p.m. The Razorbacks in South Carolina face North Carolina in doubles at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday. For complete men’s tennis coverage, log on to www.ArkansasRazorbacks.com.

South Carolina Invitational Complete Results:

Diego Cubas def. Bradwin Williams 6-2, 6-4

Pedro Campos def. Tyler Tarnasky 6-0, 6-3

Johannes Pulsfort def. Taylor King 6-2, 6-0

Ivan Machado def. Nick Spinazze 6-3, 6-2

David Wolff def. Connor Smith 6-0, 6-2

Chris Sheehan def. Tariq Ismail 6-2, 6-3