Wollongong NSW, Australia, 10 November 2015 | David Packman

Queensland’s Ben Mitchell leads three seeded Australian men into the first 2015 Tennis Wollongong International, with main draw play starting on Tuesday.

After winning his maiden ATP Challenger title in Canberra last week, the buoyant 22-year-old is the tournament’s second seed behind American Connor Smith, the world No.238. Queenslander Maverick Banes is seeded sixth while Tasmania’s Harry Bourchier is the eighth seed.

Yet another Queenslander, qualifier Scott Puodziunas, has earned the right to play the top seed Smith in the opening round, with the winner to face either Jacob Grills or surprise qualifier Damian Farinola.

Bourchier faces Japan’s Issei Okamura on his way to a potential meeting with Smith in the quarterfinals.

In-form internationals Robin Stanek (CZE) and Finn Tearney (NZL) are on a quarterfinal collision course in the top half of the draw in a section that includes upcoming Aussies Thomas Fancutt and teenage qualifier Marc Polmans.

Mitchell opens his campaign against local wildcard Mitchell William Robins while Banes finds himself up against a dangerous floater in Victorian Dayne Kelly, a player who has been pushing deep into tournaments on a regular basis during the Australian Pro Tour this year.

Tuesday sees the tournament’s number three seed, Kiwi Jose Statham, take on Daniel Hobart with American seventh seed Marcos Giron up against fellow qualifier Blade Fong.

Other Australians in action include wildcard Calum Puttergill, Darren Polkinghorne, Bradley Mousley and Steven De Waard.

Live scores of all Australian Pro Tour events are available at www.tennis.com.au/protour/scores and for a live stream of selected events visit www.tennis.com.au/protour.