Karan makes a sound start

The 20-year-old Indian had made the quarterfinals in singles and semifinals in doubles last week at the same venue.

Karan Rastogi got off to a positive start by registering an easy straight set victory at the USD 15000 ITF men's event in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

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Fifth-seed Rastogi defeated Russian Andrei Stoliarov 6-2 6-1 in the first round match last night.

He next takes on French player Antoine Tassart, who defeated local challenger Sylvain Anibie 6-3 6-4 in his opening match.

The 20-year-old Indian had made the quarterfinals in singles and semifinals in doubles last week at the same venue.