Tennis: Graf unable to overcome Appelmans

STEFFI GRAF'S comeback hit a snag yesterday when, despite a late rally, she lost in straight sets to Belgium's Sabine Appelmans in the quarter-finals at the Faber Grand Prix in Hannover.

Appelmans beat Graf, playing in only her second singles match since a knee injury threatened to end her career eight months ago, 6-3, 7-6. The German, who had her left calf taped at the courtside during the match, trailed 5-2 in the second set and dealt with three match points before losing to the world No 24.

Graf's calf had caused her to delay her comeback for the fifth time at the Paris indoor tournament two weeks ago, increasing speculation that the career of the game's top player over the past decade was finished. Yesterday, though, Graf battled well against Appelmans for one hour and 38 minutes before her forehand return sailed out on a fourth match point.

On Wednesday Graf had gained an easy 6-4, 6-2 win in her first singles match in over eight months - against her fellow German, Andrea Glass.