Zguns Wins Opening Match in NCAA Tournament

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – For the third time in his career, Arkansas tennis senior Adrians Zguns has advanced to the second round of the NCAA individual draw championships, and will face Pedro Rico of Pepperdine Thursday at 1 p.m., Central.

In his opening match on Wednesday, Zguns posted a 6-4, 6-4 victory over 36th-ranked Ytai Abougzir of Florida State.

“He played a solid match,” UA head coach Robert Cox said. “I’m really pleased for him. (Assistant) Coach (Darin) Phelan was on the court with him and did a good job. Adrians showed a good spark today.”

Zguns, who is third on Arkansas’ all-time victories list with 103, improved to 25-12 with the victory. Ranked No. 17 in the nation, he advances to the second round to meet Rico, who upset 4th-seeded Lars Poerschke of Baylor in the first round.

Fans can follow live scoring and video of Zguns’ progress at the NCAA Singles Championship by logging on to www.hogwired.com and clicking the live stats link.

Zguns, a two-time All-Southeastern Conference selection, also reached the second round of the NCAA singles tournament in 2004. Last year, he teamed with Rohan Gajjar to reach the second round of the NCAA’s individual draw doubles tournament.

Zguns helped the Razorbacks go 18-11 this season and reach the second round of the NCAA Tournament in dual match play. The 18 wins are the most for the Hogs since the 1991 team went 18-8.

Arkansas has earned NCAA Tournament bids in five of the last six years and reached at least the second round in five of its last six appearances.