Tennis: Setback for Agassi

ANDRE AGASSI suffered a setback in his build-up to the US Open at the end of this month when Vince Spadea beat him in the second round of the ATP Championship in Cincinnati yesterday.

Agassi suffered only his second defeat in 17 singles matches - a run which has seen him win two ATP Tour titles - losing 6-2, 0-6, 7-6. Spadea, ranked 44 in the world, was delighted to have claimed his first victory over his American compatriot.

"I'm on my way," Spadea said. "This is a big win, I believed in myself. You can't die out there just because it's Agassi. I played my game and let him feel the pressure."

Agassi had his chances and was serving for the match at 5-4 in the deciding set but allowed his opponent to get back into the match and take it into a tie-break which Spadea dominated, winning it 7-2.