Paradorn packs off qualifier Fraile

Paradorn Srichaphan tamed Spanish qualifier Gorka Fraile 6-2 6-2 to storm into the second round of the US$2.45 million ATP Masters Series in Madrid yesterday.

The 2002 quarterfinalist took just 55 minutes to subdue Fraile, ranked No 128 in the world, in the first match on Centre Court to set up a second-round date with 10th seed Fernando Gonzalez of Chile, who received a first-round bye.

Despite serving at just 56 per cent, Paradorn dominated play with masterful ground strokes, breaking twice in the third and seventh games to land the first set. At 2-2 in the second, the Thai took four successive games to close out a match in which he fired six aces.In round two, Paradorn will look to take revenge on Gonzalez, who ousted him 6-3 6-3 in the quarterfinal of a Challenger event in Orlando six years ago.

Meanwhile, Andy Murray of Britain beat Ivan Navarro Pastor 6-2 6-4.

The Briton has set up a second-round match against the 2005 finalist and third-seeded Ivan Ljubicic.

American qualifier Mardy Fish rallied to beat Xavier Malisse 5-7 6-3 7-5 and will now play defending champion Rafael Nadal. Julien Benneteau downed Alejandro Falla of Colombia 6-2 6-1. Nicolas Massu also advanced when 2004 French Open champion Gaston Gaudio retired after they had won a set apiece.

The Nation