Erratic Paes escapes unhurt
Balbir Singh

Chandigarh, February 21: Sixth seed Leander Paes blew hot and cold before ending the challenge of unseeded Radek Stepanek of Czech Republic 7-5, 6-3 in a 145-minute pre-quarter-final match of the $ 25,000 Indian oil Servo ATP Challenger at CLTA Centre Court in Sector 10 here today.

The victory steered Leander Paes into quarter-finals along with top seeded Dennis Scheppingen of the Netherlands, fourth seed Frantisek Cermark of Czech Republic and Ota Fukarek, also of Czech Republic.

Scheppingen struggled for 85 minutes to overcome unseeded qualifier Gerald Mandl of Austria 6-4, 3-6, 6-1; fourth seed Cermak stayed on the court for 117 minutes to oust Giorgio Galimberti of Italy 7-6 (5), 6-3 and unranked Ota Fukarek recorded a hard-fought 4-6, 6-4, 6-1 verdict over unseeded Artem Derepasko of Russia 4-6, 6-4, 6-1.

Earlier, Indian wildcard Mustafa Ghouse lost 0-6, 7-5, 6-2 to lucky loser Donavan September. When the match was stopped yesterday due to rain, September was leading one set all and 5-1.

Another Indian and wild card to bow out was Syed Fazaluddin who fought for 63 minutes before losing to Per Thornadtsson of Sweden 3-6, 2-6.

Results (2nd round)
1-Dennis van Scheppingen (Ned) bt Q Gerald Mandl (Aut) 6-4, 3-6, 6-1; Ota Fukarek (Cze) bt Artem Derepasko (Rus) 4-6, 6-4, 6-1; 4-Frantisek Cermak (Cze) bt Giorgio Galimberti (Ita) 7-6 (5), 6-3; 6-Leander Paes (Ind) btRdek Stepanek (Cze) 7-5, 6-3

Leander, two others fined
Amro Ghoneim of Egypt has been fined $ 1000 for ‘no show’ as he failed to report for his opening match against Mustafa Ghouse, according to ATP sueprvisor Vincenzo Bottone here today. Leander Paes and his opponent in the first round Nir Welgreen of Israel were also warned yesterday for players’ code violations which led to stoppage of the match on a number of occasions. Confirming the warning given to the players, the ATP supervisor refused to specify the fine imposed on these players. ‘‘I cann’t disclose the amount,’’ said Vincenzo Bottone.

Copyright © 2001 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.