The top seed put on a mistake-free performance to win the last qualifying round in only 40 minutes and enter the first main draw on his American hard-court tour.

"I played well. I didn't miss any shots at all," said Danai, ranked 83rd in the world. "I moved him around the court. When I was leading 3-0 in the second set, he didn't seem to try."

The reward for Danai is a first-round date with American Robert Kendrik, who is ranked four places below him. The two have played twice previously in Challenger events and each match extended to three sets. Danai won the first 2-6 6-3 7-5 six years ago in California, while the American won the latter clash 4-6 6-3 6-4 three years ago in Hawaii.

"It will be a tough match tomorrow against Kendrik. But if I can maintain my concentration, I stand a good chance."

Should Danai clear his first hurdle, he will have the chance to enter the new competition format, which features eight groups of three players engaged in a round-robin play. The top finisher in each pool will then play in a knock-out for a spot in the semi-finals and final.

"It's good for higher-ranked player but it's not good for qualifiers. We [qualifiers] have to play two rounds to get in the main draw and have to win one more to reach the group stage. But seeded players are already in the group. Undoubtedly we will feel more tired," Danai explained.

Monaco lands title

Argentina's Juan Monaco claimed his first ATP title on Sunday with a straight sets win over Italian Alessio Di Mauro on clay in his hometown in Buenos Aires.

The 22-year-old, competing in just his second final after Casablanca two years ago, came through a comfortable 6-1 6-2 winner in his first meeting with Di Mauro.