WELLINGTON’S Dan Manlow was in good company when he took part in the F1 and F2 Canadian Futures events with 2004 French Open doubles champion Olivier Rochus among some top names in the draw.

Manlow, a former coach at the John McEnroe Tennis Academy in Manhattan, New York, successfully came through qualifying for both events, securing himself places in the main draw of the F1 in Gatineau and of the F2 in Sherbrooke.

Unfortunately his progress in Gatineau was halted in the first round by an impressive Hugo Di Feo of Canada.

Despite a defiant battle from Manlow, the 18-year-old Canadian came through in two close sets 6-4, 7-6(5).

In Sherbrooke Manlow was drawn against current world No271 and former junior world No1 Filip Peliwo in the first round.

On paper, Manlow’s match looked as if it would be a straight forward win for Peliwo, but the promising Canadian was pushed to the limit by 23-year-old Manlow in a three-set epic.

Both players were in touching distance of victory, but the cruel nature of a third set tie-break proved fatal for Manlow’s tournament journey.

Peliwo emerged the victor after a 6-4, 6-7(9), 7-6(3) marathon match.

The young Canadian eventually made it through to the semi-finals, showing just how stern a test Manlow faced in the opening round.