Oct. 25, 2001

– KNOXVILLE, Tenn.–The University of Kentucky men’s tennis team opened action in the first and second rounds of singles competition of the Omni Hotels Southern Men’s Region III Championships.

Sophomore Rahim Esmail won a tough match against Tulane’s Matthius Westerberg, 6-2, 6-4, in the first round of action. In the second round, Esmail was matched against LSU’s Sebastian Rutka, who had received a bye in the first round. Rutka overpowered Esmail as he suffered a 6-0, 6-1 loss.

Senior Gustav Pousette received a bye in the first round and faced Tennessee’s Andy Crews in a second round match. Pousette dominated the first two sets and won the match, 6-1, 6-3.

Pousette will advance to third round action on Friday, Oct. 26, and will also pair with Esmail for the first round of doubles competition. Action is set to begin at 8 a.m. at the Varsity Courts.