Amritraj makes a winning start at Hall of Fame

Newport: Prakash Amritraj began his campaign at the Hall of Fame Tennis Championships with an easy straight sets win over Flavio Cipolla.

The US-based Indian wild card scored a 6-2 6-3 win over his higher-ranked Italian opponent in the first round of the men's singles.

The 308-ranked Amritraj, a runner up here in 2008, never faced a breakpoint in the contest and broke his rival, ranked 147, twice in each set.

He next faces former world number one but now struggling Australian Lleyton Hewitt, who is now ranked 64, in his second round match of the USD 455,775 grass court event.

Amritraj is featuring in the doubles event as well, pairing with American Sam Querrey. Their first round opponents are Ruben Bemelmans of Belgium and Michal Przysiezny of Poland.

Another Indian featuring in the doubles draw is Divij Sharan, who for this tournament has teamed up with big serving Croat Ivo Karlovic.

Their opener is against Ukrainian pair of Illya Marchenko and Denys Molchanov.