Rios storms into Qatar Open final

Rios storms into Qatar Open final
Agencies

Doha, January 6: Marcelo Rios of Chile raced into the $ one million Qatar Open final on Sunday with a 6-1, 6-3 win over V Vladimir Voltchkov of Belarus. Czech qualifier Bohdan Ulihrach edged past Frenchman Nicolas Escude 3-6, 7-5, 7-6 in the other semi-final, a two hours 41 minutes marathon.

Rios, who ended an injury-marred 2000 in 36th place in the ATP champions race, was far too solid for Voltchkov and wrapped up the match inside an an hour.

Serena wins
SYDNEY: Serena Williams advanced to the second round of the Sydney International here on Sunday with a 6-3, 7-6 (8-6) win over American compatriot Lilia Osterloh.

Haas supreme
ADELAIDE: Germany’s Tommy Haas won the Australian men’s hardcourt championships on Sunday with a 6-3, 6-1 win over surprise finalist Nicolas Massu, to take his second ATP title and end a dream run for the Chilean Challenger.

Amanda advances
CANBERRA: Australian Amanda Grahame beat countrywoman Annabel Ellwood 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (7-3) on Sunday, advancing to a second round meeting with French Open champion Mary Pierce at the Canberra International tennis tournament here.

Given a bye in the first round, top seed Pierce is playing her first tournament since she was forced to withdraw from the US Open in September because of a shoulder injury. Grahame is ranked 229th in the world and first caught international attention when she took Serena Williams to three sets at last year’s Australian Open.

Pierce was in the stands with her baseball player fiance Roberto Alomar watching when Grahame beat Ellwood.