James Ward comes through Dubai qualifiers

James Ward recorded a three-set victory over Marius Copil to reach the main draw of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships this morning.

The British number two fought back to register a 6-7 6-4 6-4 win over the Romanian and join Andy Murray in the last 32.

After a closely-fought opening set, it was world number 166 Copil who appeared on course for the main draw after dominating a first-set tie-break.

However, one break of serve was enough for Ward to take the second, before he quickly established control in the decider.

Copil had opportunities to find a way back into the match, but the Londoner held on to progress through to an encounter with 12th seed Feliciano Lopez.