TNT Sports
Top seed Montanes out
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Published 19/05/2004 at 08:46 GMT+1
Top seed Albert Montanes was knocked out in the first round of the French Open qualifying tournament, which began at Roland Garros on Tuesday. The Spaniard fell to Julio Peralta of Chile 6-1 6-4, as 17-year-old Marcos Baghdatis and 21-year-old Kristof Vli
Eurosport
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The 128-draw men's qualifying tournament got underway in blazing sunshine with thousands of spectators coming to watch future stars.
Seventh seed Marc Lopez caught the eye with an impressive 6-1 7-5 win over Brazilian Andre Sa and will be difficult to beat on his patch to securing a main draw berth.
Reigning junior world champion Baghdatis fended off a stubborn challenge from Argentina's Sergio Roitman 6-3 6-7 6-3.
Spanish 18-year-old Nicolas Almagro ousted American Cecil Mamiit 4-6 6-2 6-2, while sixth seed Belgium Vliegen overpowered Eric Prodon.
Italy's Davide Sanguinetti was dispatched, as well as Switzerland's Davis Cup captain Marc Rosset, who reached the semi-final in 1996.
The 36-year-old Swiss was eliminated by Florent Serra 3-6 6-3 6-3 one of seven Frenchmen to triumph on the opening day.
Marc Gicquel and Jean-Christophe Faurel won their matches but 12 other Frenchmen were knocked out.
Remaining first round matches continue to be played on Wednesday, as the women's qualification tournament begins.
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