Scud still firing in Japan - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Scud still firing in Japan

01/10/2003 11:51:33 PM Comments (0)

Mark Philippoussis and Scott Draper ensured a successful day for Australia at the Japan Open, with the pair advancing to the third round with straight set victories.

Sixth seed Philippoussis, fresh from his victory at Shanghai last weekend, stayed in form to beat Federico Browne of Argentina 6-4 6-3 in the day's last match.

"Coming off a tournament win, you get on a roll, on a high," said Philippoussis.

"It's easy to be positive when things go your way.

"I look at tennis different after getting a second chance, - when I was 18, 19, I sort of felt a little fearless, I went down swinging. I feel my confidence level is up again now."

Draper, who had a solid first round victory, continued his recent run of improved form with a 6-2 7-6 (7-5) defeat of American Eric Taino.

Things weren't as straightforward for Asia's best player Paradorn Srichaphan, with the Thai suffering a scare against Belgium's Dick Norman.

The third seed, who received a first-round bye, stormed back from 3-5 down and 30-30 in the ninth game of the final set, pulling off a timely break to finish off a 131-minute match 4-6 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 (7-2).

Earlier second seed Sebastien Grosjean of France won his first match since losing the US Open first round by fending off an array of sizzling serves to beat Ivo Karlovic of Croatia 6-3 7-6 (10-8).

Paradorn, who caused a sensation last year by beating then world No.1 Lleyton Hewitt here, missed a double break chance in the second game of the opener but found another rare chance later.

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