Oct. 22, 2004

Ryler DeHeart and GD Jones advanced to the second round today in the doubles main draw at the 2004 ITA Midwest Regional Championship in Ann Arbor, Mich. at Michigan's Varsity Tennis Center. Earning their fifth win this season, they beat Andy Bartish and James Low of Butler, 8-3.

Since forming as a pair during last year's dual match season, Jones and DeHeart are 23-3. The pair is looking to earn Illinois a second consecutive doubles title at this event, as Chris Martin and current student assistant Michael Calkins were champions a year ago.

Three other Illinois' doubles teams fell short in their goal of advancing to the next round this evening. Seniors Martin and Evan Zeder fell to Matt Christian and Adam Schaechterle of Northwestern 8-6. Freshmen Andrew Eklov and Monte Tucker had break point, but failed to capitalize before falling 9-8 (7) to DePaul's Eric Huffman and Robert Kotroczo. Pramod Dabir and Brandon Davis dropped their match to Ohio State's Scott Green and Dennis Mertens 8-5.

"We didn't do a great job today," said Illinois head coach Craig Tiley. "I wasn't expecting them to win all of their matches but we have to turn it around and compete better."

DeHeart and Jones will have double duty tomorrow as singles main draw competition begins at 8 a.m. Dabir, Martin, Tucker and Zeder will try and bounce back and will join DeHeart and Jones in singles competition.

"I expect them to come out and play well tomorrow," said Tiley. "I expect them to compete deep into the tournament. We need to come out tomorrow and step it up."

The Orange and Blue will be favored tomorrow as they hold four of the top eight seeds in singles. DeHeart is the second seed, Jones third, Martin sixth and Dabir is eighth.

Main Draw Doubles Rd. of 64 Results (for complete bracket information visit www.mgoblue.com)

tournament seed in parentheses

No. 17 (1) Ryler DeHeart/GD Jones (ILL) def. Andy Bartish/James Low (Butler)           8-3
Matt Christian/Adam Schaechterle (Northwestern) def. (8) Chris Martin/Evan Zeder (ILL) 8-6
Scott Green/Dennis Mertens (OSU) def. (9) Pramod Dabir/Brandon Davis (ILL)             8-5
Eric Huffman/Robert Kotroczo (DePaul) def. Andrew Eklov/Monte Tucker (ILL)	            9-8 (7)