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| November 17, 2005 | Thursday | Shawwal 14, 1426 |
Gonzalez hands Puerta speedy exit
SHANGHAI, Nov 16: Chilean Fernando Gonzalez made the most of his last-minute Masters Cup call-up on Wednesday by beating fellow emergency replacement Mariano Puerta 6-3, 4-6, 6-0.
The world numbers 13 and 12 were only playing in the eight-man event courtesy of Rafael Nadal and Andre Agassi’s shock double withdrawal on Monday.
The defeat spells the end of Puerta’s interest in the 4.45-million-dollar tournament after he was beaten in straight sets by Gaston Gaudio.
But it hands a semi-final berth to Russia’s top player, Nikolay Davydenko, who downed Gaudio earlier.
Gonzalez, the first Chilean in the season finale since Marcelo Rios in 1998, got off to a speedy start, breaking Puerta early in the first set. Puerta saved three break points at 4-2 but could not get the break back as Gonzalez took the set 6-3.
The left-handed Argentine hit back early in the second, breaking Gonzalez in his first game and producing a big serve for the set at 6-4.
But Gonzalez dominated the final set, holding for love before breaking for 2-0, although Puerta was convinced that the Chilean’s winning shot went long.
Another break to make it 4-0 put Puerta on the ropes before he capitulated for 6-0.
Puerta, 27, is one of four Argentine players here. Banned for nine months in 2003, he was recently forced to deny career-threatening reports that he tested positive for a banned substance a second time.
Results
Gold group
Nikolay Davydenko (RUS) bt Gaston Gaudio (ARG) 6-3, 6-4; Fernando Gonzalez (CHI) bt Mariano Puerta (ARG) 6-3, 4-6, 6-0.—AFP
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