James Ward has defeated wildcard Antonio Veic to reach the second round of the Zagreb Indoors.
The British number two, who is attempting to break into the world's top 100, started positively against the Croatian by breaking serve twice on the way to taking the opening set.
After taking a 4-1 lead at the start of the second, it appeared as though the Londoner would earn a comfortable passage through to the last 16 before Veic fought back with three successive games.
However, after breaking Veic's serve, and perhaps spirit, during a lengthy ninth game, Ward eventually wrapped up a 6-2 6-4 triumph.
The 27-year-old will now play Andreas Seppi in the second round.
