Srichaphan edges out Lisnard to advance in China Open
(Agencies)
Updated: 2004-09-17 09:16

Sixth seed Paradorn Srichaphan knocked out French player Jean-Rene Lisnard 6-4, 7-5 to advance to the second round of China Open tennis tournament Wednesday in Beijing.
Thailand's Paradorn Srichaphan returns a ball against France's Jean-Rene Lisnard during a first round match at the China Open tennis tournament in Beijing September 15, 2004. Srichaphan defeated Lisnard 6-4 7-5.
 
The sixth-seeded Thai, winner of Nottingham Open,



is 15 centimeters higher than his French rival and has a much better skill on approach shot and volley on net, which won him nine points out of ten attempts against Lisnard's two. The Thai's serve was more powerful which earned him more direct winners for additional to three aces.

Srichaphan and Lisnard stroke a 4-4 after eight games and then the sixth seed broke Lisnard's service in game ten after securing the ninth game to end first set with a 6-4 win.

The Frenchman fought back in second set to build up a 5-4 lead, but Srichaphan rallied from one game down to break in game ten to level the set 5-5 and held on to claim the next two games after sinking three match points.

Srichaphan's cross shot and accurate return won him opportunities to score by keeping his rival running while he could also hit perfect baseline and smash high ball more easier in spite of ten unforced errors more.

"I was one game behind when it was 5-4 in second set, then I tried to break in game ten and leveled the set 5-5 which is decisive for me to win the game. I think my experience helped me to win in the last moment," said Srichaphan.

"The court is one of the best ATP tour venues. The Center Court has 10 thousand seats capacity, but it still can't match the Four Great Slam which have at least three to four such court," added the Thai.

Srichaphan went through only the first round of French Open and was knocked out of the third round of US Open by Slovakian Dominik Hrbaty, also a contender of China Open.

He was presented the ATP Sportsmanship Award for the second time in a row which was selected in voting by his fellow ATP players. He became the first Asian-born player to crack the ATP rankings top 10.

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