March 16, 2003	Sunday	Muharram 12, 1424

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INDIAN WELLS (California), March 15: Former French Open champion Gustavo Kuerten outlasted American James Blake 4-6 6-4 6-0 in the quarter-finals of the Pacific Life Open on Friday.

World number one Lleyton Hewitt stayed on course to retain his title with a 6-4 6-2 victory over American Robby Ginepri but sixth seed Andy Roddick of the U.S. slumped to a 6-3 6-2 defeat at the hands of 15th-seeded German Rainer Schuettler.

Vincent Spadea came out on top in his all-American clash with Brian Vahaly, winning 6-3 6-2.

Former world number one Kuerten, who has struggled since coming back from hip surgery last May, played a brilliant last set and a half, leaping about the court and crushing his groundstrokes to the corners.

The athletic Blake played well in the first set, charging the net and controlling the centre of the court with his big forehand.

But the Brazilian got his teeth into the match early in the second set, fighting off an attempted ace with a 114-mph blast down the middle.

Kuerten broke serve twice on his way to levelling the match and in the third set the fist-pumping Brazilian was in complete control.

Hewitt, who has won nine matches in 11 days including his run to the title in Scottsdale, Arizona last week, dominated the baseline rallies with Ginepri to set up a meeting with Spadea in the last four.

“I played better today,” said the Australian. “I came out and got on and off the court pretty convincingly.

“Once I got an early break in the first set, his confidence got a bit of a dent. I’ve got that match toughness now.

“I feel like my confidence is high at the moment. But I feel like anyone can be beaten on any given day.”

Spadea has come a long way since 2000 when he set an ATP record by losing 21 matches in a row.

“I went about my game plan and executed very well,” said the 28-year-old after his victory over Vahaly.

“We had some tough points but I got to some of his weaknesses. This is one of the highlights of my career.”

Roddick could never find his rhythm against the cagey Schuettler, who also beat the American in the semi-finals of the Australian Open in January.

Wearing a bandage on his left knee, Roddick moved slowly and posted 28 unforced errors against 14 by his opponent.

“He came out and played much better than me but I didn’t play my best by a long shot,” said Roddick, who has also had an ankle injury.

Results (x denotes seed):

WOMEN:

Semifinals: Kim Clijsters (Bel x1) bt Conchita Martinez (Spa x26) 6-3, 6-2; Lindsay Davenport (USA x4) bt Jennifer Capriati (USA x2) 6-4, 4-6, 6-4

MEN

Quarterfinals: Lleyton Hewitt (Aus x1) bt Robby Ginepri (USA) 6-4, 6-2; Rainer Schuettler (Ger x15) bt Andy Roddick (USA x6) 6-3, 6-2; Gustavo Kuerten (Bra) bt James Blake (USA) 4-6, 6-4, 6-0; Vincent Spadea (USA) bt Brian Vahaly (USA) 6-3, 6-2.—Reuters/AFP