SARASOTA, April 17, 2015

The top half of the draw were in action on Thursday at the Sarasota Open ATP Challenger event.

Qualifier Francis Tiafoe headlined the second round matches when the only 17-year-old US-American upset his compatriot Bjorn Fratangelo winning 6-3, 6-4 in 78 minutes. It was Tiafoe’s only second victory on Challenger level. “It was a great day for American tennis – a star was born,” said Tournament Director Tony Driscoll afterwards.

US-American Youngster Francis Tiafoe

The world number 519 will meet with Chase Buchanan another US-American in the quarterfinals. The 23-year-old didn’t have to face a break point to defeat wild card Mitchell Krueger in 68 minutes winning 6-2, 6-2.

James McGee, who entered the main draw as alternate, advanced to the quarterfinals through a 6-1, 5-7, 7-5 victory over Facundo Arguello. The Irish world number 174 closed the match out in two hours and 31 minutes.

Sixth seed Facundo Bagnis, who already claimed one Challenger title season in Santiago, defeated Austin Krajicek winning 6-3, 6-2 in 68 minutes.

James McGee reached his third ATP Challenger quarterfinal