Abu Dhabi:  Mike Dravitzki, a long-time resident of Abu Dhabi, was made to work hard before pulling off a 3-1 win over Chay Andrews in the opening night of the Sheraton-Al Ghazal Transport Abu Dhabi Squash Open 2008 here at the Sheraton.

According to a press release from the organisers, the veteran New Zealander lost the opening game 13-15, before clinching the next three 15-10, 17-14, 15-11 to advance into the second round of the Division One competition.

In other fixtures, Ahmad Farooq overcame Mubarak Mohsin 3-1, while Bilal Mutte, Hesham Fergani and Rami Borai blanked out Antoun Ganem, Mabrouk Al Nahdy and Jay Bidal, respectively, all by identical 3-0 margins.

Mohammad Khair beat Bader Tayyar 3-1 in a Division Two match, while Mohammad Hekal got the better of Saif Weheda 3-1 in a junior event.