Three-time champion Andre Agassi defeated Jonas Bjorkman of Sweden on Wednesday to advance to the third round of the Montreal Masters tennis tournament.
The 35-year-old Agassi, seeded fourth and seeking his first victory in Canada since 1995, advanced to face Nicolas Kiefer of Germany in the round of 16 yesterday with his 6-1, 3-6, 6-2 victory. Kiefer, a semifinalist last year, beat Taylor Dent of the US 6-4, 6-4.
"That'll be a tough match," Agassi said. "These are tough conditions -- quick courts, wind. He's a quick-court player. He uses the pace really well and moves the ball around. I'll have my hands full."
PHOTO: AP
Agassi improved to 5-0 against Bjorkman. He has eight Grand Slam titles and 60 wins overall in his 19-year pro career, while Bjorkman has nine tournament titles in 15 years. They are two of the oldest players in the draw.
"There's a lot to like about playing against someone you've known and played against a long time," Agassi said.
"There's a lot of mutual respect just for doing it for so long. There's so many faces you don't recognize anymore, to play against someone you know makes it that much more comfortable," he said.
A long rain delay couldn't stop Rafael Nadal of Spain as the top seed romped to a 6-1, 6-2 victory over Brazil's Ricardo Mello.
Nadal, back to his fist-pumping self after a subdued opening-round win over friend and mentor Carlos Moya, advanced to a third-round meeting with Sebastien Grosjean, who upset his 15th-seeded French compatriot Richard Gasquet 7-6 (5), 6-3.
The 19-year-old Nadal, who has eight tournaments wins this year -- all on clay courts -- is looking for his first career hardcourt victory.
"I think I don't play bad on fast courts," he said. "If I'm playing well, I can play good on this surface."
Former French Open champ Gaston Gaudio of Argentina broke Danish veteran Kenneth Carlsen in the last game to win 3-6, 6-2, 7-5. And Montreal-born Greg Rusedski of Britain downed Max Mirnyi of Belarus 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 (2) in a battle of big servers.
"I know, it's been a while," said Rusedski, whose 1995 decision to play for the UK seems to have been forgotten by the welcoming center court crowd that once booed him.
"I'm really pleased to be through. It's been two tough matches," Rusedski said.
Olivier Rochus of Belgium advanced when Swede Robin Soderling retired with a right ankle injury in the third set of their second-round match. Rochus was leading 6-2, 6-7 (2-7), 5-2.
It was a gusty, rainy day in which play was halted twice by rain and lightning.
Sebastien Grosjean, trailing 3-5 in the opening set when the rain halted play for two-and-a-half hours, came back when play resumed to beat 15th-seeded French compatriot Rochard Gasquet 7-6 (7-5), 6-3.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely