Agassi regains No 1 ranking

Houston:

Andre Agassi became the oldest men's player to be ranked No 1 in the world as he advanced to the finals of the US Men's Clay Court Championships with a 6-4 6-1 victory over Austria's Jurgen Melzer. Agassi's victory last night gave him enough points to surpass Lleyton Hewitt of Australia and regain the top spot for the first time since September 10, 2000, when Agassi was replaced by Pete Sampras. "It feels amazing, I feel I've forgotten what it's like," said Agassi, who will be 33 on Tuesday. "There were a lot of nerves here tonight." Agassi replaced Jimmy Connors as the oldest player to old the top ranking. Connors held the No 1 spot at 30 years, 10 months in 1983. Agassi also became the fifth player over 30 to hold the top rank. "I don't think I could quite find the words," Agassi said. "It's the result of a lot of hard work and decision making, a lot of success in many different arenas against many different opponents. It's a bit overwhelming to have it come together at one moment." Agassi will play two-time champion Andy Roddick in the finals today. Roddick rallied to a 4-6 6-1 6-2 victory over Olivier Mutis of France in the earlier semifinal and improved his record at Westside Tennis Club to 16-0. Asked if he had an eye on the Grand Slam this year, Agassi said, "I only have eyes for Andy." (AP)