The world number one pair of Paes-Bhupathi lost 3-6, 6-7(4/7) to Arthurs-Kratzmann in the quarter-finals . After receiving first round bye here, they had beaten Latin American duo of Maurice Ruah (Venezuela) and Andre Sa (Brazil) 6-2 6-4 in the second round.

Sampras tames Ivanisevic: In singles, Pete Sampras re-played his 1998 Wimbledon victory over Goran Ivanisevic here on Friday to reach the semi-finals at Queen's club, insuring that he will now tie the record for all-time career weeks at the No. 1 ranking.

The second-seeded American beat the big-hitting Croatian 7-5, 6-4 in their quarter-final encounter. Sampras will tangle with Australian teenager Lleyton Hewitt, who ousted Cedric Pioline of France 7-5, 6-4.

Third-seeded Tim Henman brightened up a dull afternoon forBritain as he came through a thriller to finally eliminate Karol Kucera 6-1, 6-7 (6/8), 7-6 (7/5).

Tauziat in semis

BIRMINGHAM: Nathalie Tauziat of France continued her steady progress through the WTA event at the Edgbaston Priory Club here with a straight sets victory to reach the semi-finals. The defending champion saw off unseeded American Nicole Arendt 6-4, 7-6 (7/0).