Rajeev Ram qualifies for Aus Open

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January 12, 2008 17:06 IST

India will not be represented in the men's singles main draw of the Australian Open as the last hope, Prakash Amritraj-- crashed out in the third and final qualifying round in Melbourne on Saturday.

Amritraj, ranked 278, lost 2-6, 4-6 to seventh seed German Denis Gremelmayr,  ranked 160 places above the Indian.

USA player of Indian origin, Rajeev Ram, though continued his impressive run at the start of the season as he carved out a hard-fought victory over Thailand's Danai Udomchoke in the final qualifying round.

- Also Read: Ram set for an Indian odyssey

After losing the first set tie-break Ram rallied to a 6-7 (1), 7-5, 6-2 win to enter the Australian Open main draw for the first time. The American had competed at the US Open in 2004 and 2005, losing in the opening round on both the occasions.

Ram will face Italy's Simone Bolelli in the first round of the 2008 Australian Open.

Rohan Bopanna had bowed out on Thursday after his second round defeat.

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