Mears, Batrakov Advance to Quarterfinals

LAS -- Two BYU men’s tennis players remain in the running for the singles title at the ITA Mountain Region Championships. The Cougars are also well represented in doubles competition, with three pairs advancing to the Round of 16 Thursday.

Georgy Batrakov and Cassidy Mears notched spots in the quarterfinals with two wins apiece on the second day of play. Batrakov defeated a freshman from Boise State before overcoming teammate Spencer Smith in a three-set repeat of their quarterfinal battle at the Boise State Fall Classic two weeks ago.

Mears turned in impressive performances with a straight-set victory in his first match and a 6-3, 6-2 win over conference foe Luca Barlocchi from UNLV. Evan Urbina and Thomas Shubert each recorded a victory but later fell to players from Denver and Boise State, respectively.

Doubles action brought more wins for the Cougars with three of four pairs earning a place in the Round of 16. Smith and Urbina brushed off their Northern Arizona opponents 8-1 to advance while Batrakov and Daniel Hwang made quick work of their Denver challengers in an 8-4 match. Shubert and Mears were the last of the BYU duos to move on after fending off Air Force’s Cody Hall and Lance Wilhelm 8-6.

Tournament play continues Friday at the Darling Tennis Center in Las Vegas. Matches begin at 8 a.m. For updated results and draws, click here.