From correspondents in Europe, 09:03 PM IST

India No.1 Somdev Devvarman went down fighting to Australian qualifier Samuel Groth 6-7(4), 7-6(10), 4-6 while Rohan Bopanna survived a stiff challenge from Russian Alexandre Kudryavtasev in the first round of 42,500 euros ATP challenger tennis tournament here.

Bopanna, who made it to the main draw through the qualifiers, rallied from a set down to win 2-6, 6-3, 7-5 at the grasscourt here Wednesday. He next plays Ukrainian Sergei Bubka, who beat American Jesse Levine 6-4, 6-3.

Prakash Amritraj, who advanced to the second round Tuesday, next plays seventh seed Australian Davis Cupper Chris Guccione.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)