IRVINE, Calif.? University of Kentucky men?s tennis player Will Ward fell to the No. 5 seeded player in the qualifying round of 16 at the USA F24 Futures 2006 Tournament, ending his quest to make the main draw of the event hosted by the International Tennis Federation.

American Chris Lam topped the junior Wildcat in two sets, 6-0, 6-1 to advance to the main draw of competition. It was a disappointing finish for Ward, representing New Zealand, who used three consecutive wins to advance to the final 16 players.

The junior Wildcat handedly beat the United States? Chase Buchanan 6-2, 6-3 in the first round. He advanced to face another American in Alexander Sarkissian. Ward wasted little time easily beating Sarkissian, 6-1, 6-1.

In the round of 32, Ward faced France?s Victor Lamm who proved to be more of a challenge. Ward claimed the first set 7-5 to take the early advantage. Lamm fought back with a close second set 6-7 (7) to force the game into a deciding set. Ward prevailed 6-4 to advance to the Sweet 16.

Ward is a transfer from Baylor University and has two years of eligibility remaining at Kentucky.