Jan. 11, 2007

The No.5 Illinois men's tennis team wrapped up the first day of action at the J. Webb Horton Classic in Ft. Myers, Fla., today. The Fighting Illini were led by the efforts of junior No. 11 Ryan Rowe, who cruised through his opening round match against Jonathas Sucupira of Florida State, 6-4, 6-2.

Junior Ruben Gonzales, who took the court for the first time this season for the Illini, fell in the opening round to Jean-Yves Aubone of Florida State (3-6, 6-2, 6-0) before bouncing back to take the first set from Joao Paoliello of Middle Tennessee State, 6-0, before Paoliello retired at 0-1 in the second. Junior Brandon Davis also faltered in his first-round match to Bradley Mixson of FSU (7-6(4), 6-4), dropping a close first set in the tiebreak en route to losing the second. Davis, however, returned to form as he defeated Zach Rath of Georgia Tech (6-2, 6-1) in the consolation bracket.

Rounding out competition, Illini newcomer Jordan Knue, who was making his Orange and Blue debut at the Classic, dropped his opening collegiate contest to Ryan Boyajian of Florida State (6-1, 7-5) before closing out a grueling match against Michael O'Shea of FSU (2-6, 7-6(11), 6-3) in the consolation bracket.

The Illini will continue action today with a 9 a.m. start at the J. Webb Horton Classic, continuing with the third round of singles and the first round of doubles. For complete results of the day's action, visit fightingillini.com for a full recap.

ILLINOIS RESULTS:
Ryan Rowe (ILL) def. Jonathas Sucupira (FSU); 6-4, 6-2

Jean-Yves Aubone (ILL) def. Ruben Gonzales (ILL); 3-6, 6-2, 6-0)
Ruben Gonzales (ILL) def. Joao Paoliello (Middle Tenn. St.); 6-0, 0-1 Ret.

Bradley Mixson (FSU) def. Brandon Davis (ILL); 7-6(4), 6-4
Brandon Davis (ILL) def. Zach Rath (Georgia Tech); 6-2, 6-1

Ryan Boyajian (FSU) def. Jordan Knue (ILL); 6-1, 7-5
Jordan Knue (ILL) def. Michael O'Shea (FSU); 2-6, 7-6(11), 6-3