Yuki Bhambri eases past Ramkumar Ramanathan to qualify for Indian Wells Masters

Yuki Bhambri beat Ramkumar Ramanathan in the battle of India’s top two men’s singles players to qualify for the main draw of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California. Seeded ninth in the qualifiers, Yuki eased past fellow Indian Ramkumar 6-4, 6-2 in the second and final qualifying round to make it to the season's first Master series event. The last time 25-year-old Yuki played at a Masters event was in 2009.

This was Bhambri’s third win over his junior compatriot in their four meetings. Yuki won both their clashes last year at the Chennai Open and the Pune Challenger.

In his opening round in the main draw, Yuki will fight it out with fellow qualifier Nicolas Mahut, ranked 101. The winner will take on the ninth-seeded Lucas Pouille, who has been in terrific form this season and has won one title, besides reaching the final of two other.