Bogdanovic starts Australian Open qualifying with win

BRITISH number two Alex Bogdanovic advanced through his first qualifying match at the Australian Open.

Bogdanovic, who has never appeared in the main draw in Melbourne, beat Mikhail Kukishkihe but was pushed to a decisive third set before advancing 6-2, 4-6, 6-4.

He will now play France's Sebastien De Chaunac in the second round.

In women's qualifying there were wins for Britain's Elena Baltacha and Katie O'Brien.

Baltacha beat Latvia's Anastasija Sevastova in straights sets, 6-3, 6-4, while O'Brien beat Sandra Zahlavova 7-5, 6-3

Players must win three matches in qualifying to earn a place alongside fellow Brits Andy Murray, Anne Keothavong and Melanie South.

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