Srichaphan advances at Dubai Open
 |
Paradorn was happy to play just seven games in the conditions.
Story Tools
|
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates -- Paradorn Srichaphan bucked the trend of upsets at the Dubai Open as opponent Dominik Hrbaty retired during their first round match.
The Thai, seeded seventh, had been leading 4-3 when Hrbaty quit, suffering the after-effects of influenza in the heat.
It was a spot of good fortune for Paradorn who had his work cut out against a form player. Slovakia's Hrbaty has won three titles already this year in Adelaide, Auckland and last week in Marseille.
Five of the eight seeds had already been beaten in first round action this week.
Hrbaty explained he had no choice but to withdraw.
"I was sick last week and had a temperature before the final in Marseille," he said.
"I came here and thought I would feel better. Yesterday I was practising and didn't run too much and felt okay, but today when I played I felt when I was running I was coughing too much and couldn't breathe and I didn't feel I could finish the match."
Paradorn was glad of the short match.
"It's good not to try too hard because of the conditions," he said.
"It's hot and it was difficult conditions out there, and although I'm used to the heat it was good to play just seven games.
"If he wasn't sick it would have been a tough match."
Spanish teenager Rafael Nadal once again proved himself to be one of the hottest young talents on the ATP circuit with a 6-3 7-5 win over Belgian Olivier Rochus.
The 17-year-old, who reached his first final in January in Auckland, advanced to the last eight after rallying from a break down in each set.
In another second round match, Russia's Mikhail Youzhny followed up his victory over second seed Guillermo Coria by beating Dutch qualifier Dennis Van Scheppingen 6-4 7-5.
Jarkko Nieminen of Finland defeated Frenchman Gregory Carraz 7-6 6-3, while Dutch eighth seed Sjeng Schalken was stretched to the limit by 2002 champion Fabrice Santoro before reaching the quarterfinals with a 5-7 6-4 6-4 win.
Copyright 2004
Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
