The North American Open got off to a flying start when England's Jonathan Kemp powered through the opening match, beating Mexican qualifier Cesar Salazar in just 24 minutes.
Kemp won 11-7, 11-5, 11-5 and was clearly carrying on the excellent form that gained him a key victory over James Willstrop in the recent National Championships.
Kemp opened up a 6-3 lead on a slightly cool court in the opening game but Salazar rallied to draw level. Kemp then pulled away to close out the game, allowing his opponent just one more point.
Kemp seemed to have adjusted to the surroundings in some degree of comfort as he advanced from 2-2 to 7-2 in the second. The Mexican again fought back to gather three points before Kemp again finished strongly.
Salazar led 5-3 in the third game before Kemp turned up the power and matched it with some perfect precision, winning eight points in a row to clinch his place in the second round.
Kemp said he was very impressed with the setting. "This is my first time playing here, " he said."And as a player this is everything you went from a tournament, great facilities, a wonderful setting for the court and it certainly helps you to feel relaxed and just concentrate on playing.
"It was nice to get on and off court so quickly. I feel I'm playing quite well at the moment and I'm looking forward to the rest of the week."
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