Melbourne: India's Yuki Bhambri defeated Serbian Pedja Krstin 6-3, 6-4 in the second round of the Australian Open singles qualifiers here on Thursday. He is now one win away from the main draw.

The 24-year-old won the junior Australian Open title in 2009. He took one hour and eight minutes to win his second-round qualifier, claiming 61 of the total 108 points played.

He will next face American Ernesto Escobedo, who beat Japanese Tatsuma Ito 6-1 6-3 in his second-round match.