PALERMO, Italy, Sept. 23 (UPI) -- Bohdan Ulihrach of the Czech Republic eliminated fourth-seeded Fernando Vicente of Spain, 6-1, 6-2, Monday in the first round of the International Championships of Sicily.
Ulihrach has not dropped a set in winning all four of his career meetings with Vicente.
Fifth seed David Ferrer, looking to win his second straight event, opened with a 6-4, 4-6, 6-1 victory over Georgia's Irakli Labadze. The Spaniard claimed his first career title earlier this month in Bucharest, which raised his ranking to a career-high No. 60.
In addition, 1998 runner Franco Squillari of Argentina trounced Christophe Rochus of Belgium, 6-0, 6-1. Squillari is hoping to reach his second final of the season.
Also, Spain's Albert Montanes routed Italian Andrea Gaudenzi, 6-2, 6-2, and Nicolas Coutelot of France beat Albert Portas of Spain, 6-2, 3-6, 6-4.
No. 8 Hicham Arazi of Morocco withdrew from the tournament Monday, citing a leg injury. His place in the main draw will be taken by lucky loser Ruben Ramirez Hidalgo of Spain.
