Sophomore Artem Ilyushin won his third match at the Birmingham Futures to qualify him for the main draw.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Sophomore's Artem Ilyushin and Louis Cant of the Mississippi State men's tennis team have qualified for the main draw at the Birmingham Futures, which is played on clay courts at Highland Park in Birmingham, Ala.

State's Ilyushin won his third match in qualifying action at the event when he defeated Dean O'Brian in straight sets 6-1, 6-2. With the win Ilyushin advances to the main draw of the tournament.

MSU's Cant won his fourth match of the tournament, taking down Saad Benkirane in straight sets as well, 6-3, 6-0, and will join Ilyushin in the main draw.

The first round of the main draw consists of 32 players and will begin Tuesday, Nov. 3.

BIRMINGHAM FUTURES
Birmingham, Ala. - 11/2/09

SINGLES - QUALIFYING
Round of 16 - #83 Artem Ilyushini (MSU) def. Dean O'Brian, 6-1, 6-2; Louis Cant (MSU) def. Saad Benkirane, 6-3, 6-0.