Canas moves on, Philippoussis ousted

Chennai:

Defending champion Guillermo Canas of Argentina kept himself on course for his fourth career title as he quelled the challenge of Jiri Vanek 6-4, 6-2 to move into the quarterfinals of the ATP tour TATA India Open Tennis championship today. But Mark Philippoussis, the awesome Aussie, was tamed 6-2, 6-1 by sixth- seeded Rainer Schuettler of Germany and made his exit in the second round. In another match, Jean Rene Lisnard of France had to dig deep into his reserves before overcoming a late charge by lucky loser Noam Okun of Israel 6-0, 2-6, 6-2 to advance into the last eight. As usual, Canas, who has not lost a match at this venue, was a slow starter as he saved a break point before winning the first game on the third deuce. The games went on serve till the sixth when Vanek lost three break points to Canas to go in the lead at 4-2. Canas, with three career titles, including two during last season, under his belt and six-time finalist in the ATP circuit gave enough room for Vanek to dictate terms in the ninth game. Canas, relying on his baseline game, was able to save one of the two break points. However, Vanek, equipped with strong serves and forehands, took the game. The defending champion showed his anger in the very next game as he charged in after return of serve to score winners. Canas enjoyed three break points but the Czech for second time in the set, came up with an unbelievable passing shot to save the set point. However, the rivals were involved in series of rallies in deuce, which was called thrice before Vanek gave away the 10th game and the set to the reigning champion. Overall it was a case of Vanek playing well in the first set, sending down four aces to one by Canas and nine winners against six. But Vanek committed more number of unforced errors (11 against 18). In the second set, Canas was all charged up. He raised his game by several notches in taking a 5-2 lead before coming up with another break in the eighth game for the match. On head to head count, this is Canas's second win over Vanek in as many meetings having won last in the quarterfinals of this tourney last year. (PTI)