Abdulsalam, Matsushita Net Wins at UTSAs in Lubbock

LUBBOCK, Texas — Rafael Abdulsalam and Ryomo Matsushita each picked up wins on the opening day of the USTA Pro Circuit M15 Tournament in Lubbock, Texas.  Both players won their opening qualifying draw and advance to a second round qualifier with a shot to win and get into the main 32-man draw.

Abdulsalam picked up a straight set win over Alexander Richards of Wichita State, winning  6-3, 6-2.  Abdulsalam is the No. 16 seed in the event.  Matsushita, a transfer who went 8-2 at Oregon last year, faced off against No. 15-seed Stefano Liokossis of Canada.  In a wild match that featured plenty of drama, it was Matsushita winning his first match as a Lobo with a come-from-behind 3-6, 6-4, 1-0 (10-8) win.  Both players advanced, with Abdulsalam facing Pranav Kumar, the No. 3 seed in the qualifier.  Matsushita advanced and will face No. 6 seed Charles Wang.