February 26th

Swede snares first win of clay-court swing

Magnus Norman claimed the first win of his comeback campaign when he defeated Mexican wild card Alejandro Hernandez in the first round of the Abierto Mexicano Pegaso in Acapulco Tuesday. Norman, who failed to win a set in Vina del Mar and Buenos Aires during the past two weeks, was locked in a tight three-setter when Hernandez retired while leading 2-1 in the deciding set with leg spasms.

Norman, who underwent hip surgery in August last year, said: "I still need to take my game to a higher level. I'm practicing very hard and things are going well, but there is still a lot to improve. Although I felt in control of the match, I lost the second set and it was unfortunate that Alejandro had to retire. But I felt I would have won had the match continued. It's good to get past the first round."

Norman next meets Mariano Zabaleta, who survived the first round for the third consecutive week when he defeated third seed Nicolas Lapentti. Lapentti, who played six consecutive three-set matches in Vina del Mar and Buenos Aires, was forced to retire during the third set due to fatigue. Zabaleta, who defeated former world No.1 Marcelo Rios twice during the past two weeks, was leading Lapentti 4-6, 7-6(5) 3-0 when the Ecuadorian retired. "The heat was tough and I was very tired," Lapentti said.