The world number 145 upset another 20-year-old in South Korea's Jang Woojin, who is ranked several places higher than him at 36.

The Frenchman came through 11-6, 11-8, 10-12, 11-9, 7-11, 9-11,11-9 to reach the main draw.

"What a match, I am so relieved to have won, this is a massive win for me," said Robinot.

"I had my chances all the way through the match and he kept on coming back and fighting."

Robinot is no stranger to big victories after a win over former world number one Jean-Michel Saive three years ago.

He knocked the Belgian out in the first round of the Spanish Open.

Another winner was Brazilian Hugo Calderano who ended the hopes of Japan's 16-year-old Yuto Kizukuri.

Calderano, who was born in Rio de Janeiro so has a special interest in August's Olympic Games, came through 11-5, 11-7, 11-6, 11-7.

"I knew he would be a very tricky opponent, as he is very young and has been playing well recently”, said the world number 62

“I had to be very focused and impose my game from the beginning and didn't give him so many chances.”

Competition will resume with the main draw tomorrow, with Japan searching for just their second ever winner of the women's event.

Global powerhouse China have sent a strong team with the competition seen as a key stop on the road to Rio 2016.