HOUSTON, Nov 12: Andy Roddick underlined his determination to finish the year with the number one world ranking on Tuesday, opening his account at the ATP Masters Cup with a feisty 6-2 3-6 6-3 win over Spain’s Carlos Moya.

Playing his first match since a semifinal loss to Tim Henman last month in Paris, where he took possession of the top ranking, Roddick had looked poised for a routine return to competition but in the end needed a tense one hour and 35 minutes to secure his first Masters win.

The victory ends Wimbledon champion Roger Federer’s hopes of finishing the season in top spot, the battle for number one now down to a two-way fight between Roddick and French Open champion Juan Carlos Ferrero of Spain.

Any thoughts Roddick had of a quick evening, however, disappeared along with U.S. Open champion’s composure in the second set.

Serving at 0-1, Roddick flew into a red-faced rage on a disputed line call, losing his concentration and control of the match as Moya went on to break the 22-year-old American and jump back into the contest.

Struggling to regain command of his churning emotions and the match, Roddick finally wrestled back control of the contest late in the third set breaking Moya to go up 5-3, then holding serve to clinch the win.

Earlier in the day in other Red Group action, Germany’s Rainer Schuettler survived an uneven performance on what he claims is an uneven court beating Guillermo Coria 6-3 4-6 6-2.

Critical of what he labelled a slanted stadium court, Schuettler and his Argentine opponent both struggled to find their rhythm during the roller-coaster two hour, 25 minute match.

Results

Red Group

* 1-Andy Roddick (U.S.) bt Carlos Moya (Spain) 6-2, 3-6, 6-3,

Rainer Schuettler (Germany) bt Guillermo Coria (Argentina) 6-3, 4-6, 6-2.—Reuters