Priory hope Dan crashes out in the first round

HOME hopeful Dan Evans crashed out in the first round of the LTA’s Lexus Birmingham Open with a straight sets defeat to American qualifier Murphy Cassone.

- By JAMES REID

The Birmingham star went down 7-6(5) 7-6(5) after a lengthy battle on centre court, which eventually saw Cassone triumph after two hours and 16 minutes.

Cassone came through two rounds of qualifying, also beating Brit Stuart Parker 6-3 6-1, and now faces fellow American Brandon Holt on an open side of the draw that also contains experienced duo Nicolas Jarry and Adrian Mannarino.

Evans’ defeat ended British hopes in the men’s singles draw, as qualifier Johannus Monday lost a three-set battle to Coleman Wong.

Wong took the first set 6-1 before Monday fought back to win the second 7-5 and set up a decider, but the Hong Kong qualifier triumphed 6-3 to set up a second-round encounter with Zachary Svajda.

However, Jodie Burrage booked her place in the second round of the women’s singles with a comfortable 6-3 6-4 win over Croatia’s Jana Fett.