Prakash Amritraj’s win over Lars Poerschke has increased the Indian count to three players in the singles draw of the Aircel Chennai Open.

Prakash Amritraj won the match 7-6(5) 6-3 victory over his German rival. These are the excerpts from an exclusive chat with espnstar.com.

Bhagya Ayyavoo: How important is this third straight win at the start of a fresh season?

Prakash Amritraj: It's always important to do well, especially before going to Australia. Since it has come in Chennai - my hometown, it's even better. My goal wasn't to just come here and qualify. My goal is to be here on the second Sunday.

BA: What was running through your mind during the second qualifying round when you were staring at a match point against Peter Polanski in the deciding tie-breaker?

PA: He had five match points actually, in that match. I dove for a volley at 5-5 on the tie-break. But they called a ‘let' and we had to replay the point. But it was a good Becker dive volley. My mind is a lot clearer, so I was able to breathe and focus on the next point. And that's helping me.

BA: Was there lady luck smiling somewhere during that crucial tie-breaker?

PA: Absolutely, I don't know whether it was lady luck. But I know God has been on my side. I just keep playing and keep trying and it's working out.

BA: Are you proving someone some point by winning three matches to qualify for the main draw?

PA: Not really, the only concern I have is how I am playing the guy across me, whether it is some guy in qualifying or at the Australian Open or the Challenger. My only concern is to beat that guy on a given day. That's really all I am thinking about.

PA: If you were to credit one person for your winning run at the qualifiers, who would that be?

BA: It's hard to name one person. I have done a lot of work with my trainer getting my physical level up. Winning in three sets yesterday and coming back and playing my best in the final qualifier made it even better. I have been working on a lot of strategy with my cousin and we're working on to go steadier. And, I have all my family with me who keep me in good mental shape. Things are going well. Hopefully, I will keep going this way.

BA: Who would you fancy in the first round?

PA: It doesn't really matter who I play. I have played top-50 players before. Dudi Sela is seeded quite high here. I beat him last year. It is just a matter of playing my game. It doesn't matter who I play.

BA: And, where do you go from here?

PA: Hopefully, from the first round to the next. And from Chennai to Melbourne, for the Australian Open.