Srichaphan down Lee to reach semi-final in China Open
(Agencies)
Updated: 2004-09-19 22:07

Sixth seed Paradorn Srichaphan powered through his old-time rival Lee Hyung-Taik, the Asia's No. 2 from South Korea, 6-4, 6-3 to reach the last four of China Open tennis tournament Friday.

The sixth-seeded Thai, winner of Nottingham Open, fired 12 aces and played four love games in his serves to overwhelm his opponent as he exhibited a much better skill on baseline control.

Srichaphan has always keep the upper hand between the Asian top duo as the Thai defeated Lee in the 2002 Asian Games final in three tight sets.

The two Asian players traded breaks twice in the first eight games of the first set to put on a fierce collision, but the Asian No. 1 grasped the chance to break in game ten to win the first set. Then the Thai left Lee no means to exchange break in second set, smashing Lee in game six to wrap up his third victory here with 6-3.

"It's great to win especially in Asia and I'm glad to reach semi-finals. There are a lot of pressure on me to play against Lee.He is Asian No. 2 and a tough player," said Srichaphan.

"I'm happy to see I played better than previous matches. I'm going to play Youzhny and also a tough player, and hopefully I can reach the final here," added the Thai.

The sixth seed set up a clash with Russian Mikhail Youzhny In semi-final with this win.

Srichaphan went through only the first round of French Open and was knocked out of the third round of the US Open by Slovakian Dominik Hrbaty, who was ousted by his next opponent Mikhail Youzhny here already.

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 was the first Asian-born player to crack the ATP rankings top 10.
 

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