IRVINE, Calif.? University of Kentucky men?s tennis player Will Ward is off to an electrifying start at the USA F24 Futures 2006 tournament presented by the International Tennis Federation in Irvine, Calif.

Ward, reperesenting New Zealand, advanced to the round of 16 in the qualifying draw with three dominating wins.

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 will face the qualifying bracket?s fifth ranked player in the U.S.?s Chris Lam. Eight players from the qualifying bracket advance to the main draw of competition.

The tournament runs from Sept. 25-Oct. 1 in Irvine.