LAS VEGAS, Nevada — Utah State men's tennis senior Stijn Paardekooper began tournament play at the International Tennis Federation's Las Vegas series on Monday. 

The ITF M15 Las Vegas is a professional tournament on the ITF Men's World Tennis Tour. Players with a professional, ATP world ranking qualify to play. The rankings right now range from 295 to 1700 in the world.

Paardekooper is ranked 1153rd in the ITF rankings, giving him the opportunity to play in the qualifying draw. Sophomore Nuno Pinheiro is also at the tournament, currently listed as the first alternate to get in. He holds the 1009th ITF ranking. 

In the qualifying draw, Paardekooper defeated ITF 1689th-ranked Christopher Papa in a 3-6, 6-3, 10-4 third-set victory.  

Paardekooper continues play at the ITF Las Vegas Futures on Tuesday, Oct. 17, at 10 a.m.  

Fans can follow USU's men's tennis team on Twitter @USUMensTennis, on Facebook at /UtahStateMensTennis or on Instagram at USUMensTennis.  Aggie fans can also follow the Utah State athletic program on Twitter, @USUAthletics, Facebook at /USUAthletics and on Instagram, @USUAthletics. 

ITF Las Vegas Futures 

Day One Results 
Singles  
Qualifying Draw – Round of 16 
Stijn Paardekooper (NED) def. Christopher Papa (USA) 3-6, 6-3, 10-4 

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