Champions League: Arsenal 2-0 Olympiakos

London (9/29) - Arsenal remain on top of Group H in UEFA Champions League after a 2-0 victory over Greek side Olympiakos at the Emirates Stadium.
However, the hosts could not give their fans a relief before the late minutes as the visitors kept their defense well.



In the 78th minute, the resurgent Robin van Persie broke the goalless state, converting Eduardo's assist into a goal.



And just eight minutes later, Arsenal's top assist Cesc Fabregas provided the ball for Andrei Arshavin. Fabregas sent over a low ball from the right and Arshavin clipped a backheel past the keeper.



With this win, the Gunners seem to commemorate their manager Arsene Wenger's 13th year as the coach of the North London club. Wenger came in September 1996 and becomes the longest-reigning Arsenal manager in history.

As for young goalkeeper Vito Mannone, this match is his 3rd clean sheet in the season -- after Arsenal crushed Wigan 4-0 and surmounted Fulham 1-0 in the English Premier League.



source and pictures by arsenal.com

Japan Open Final Results

Mixed doubles
Songpol Anukritayawan/Kuchala Worawichitchaikul (THA) def. Joachim Fischer Nielsen/Christinna Pedersen (DEN)

Men's doubles
1-Markis Kido/Hendra Setiawan (INA) def. Rian Sukmawan/Yonathan Suryatama Dasuki (INA)

Women's doubles
Ma Jin/Wang Xiaoli (CHN) def. Miyuki Maeda/Satoko Suetsuna (JPN)

Women's singles
Wang Yihan (CHN) def. Wang Xin (CHN)

Men's singles
Bao Chunlai (CHN) def. Taufik Hidayat (INA)

Men's Doubles Title for Indonesia

Indonesia's Rian Sukmawan/Yonathan Dasuki appeared in their first Super Series final with a 15-21, 21-17, 21-17 triumph over 2005 world champions Howard Bach/Tony Gunawan in Japan Open. The unseeded pair will face their countrymen Markis Kido and Hendra Setiawan.

The world number one players, who were absent for more than a month, moved into the final with a straight-set win over another Indonesian pair, Alvent Yulianto/Hendra Aprida Gunawan, 21-17 and 21-15.

In the mixed doubles, Indonesia failed to make an all-Indonesian final when their two pairs lost. Thailand's Songpol Anukritayawan and Kuchala Worawichitchaikul reached the final after a 21-18, 21-16 victory over Hendra Aprida Gunawan/Vita Marissa of Indonesia.

They will compete against Danish Joachim Fscher Nielsen/Christinna Pedersen who defeated Nova Widhianto/Lilyana Natsir in two sets, 21-18 and 21-12.

Japan's Only Hope

Women's doubles pair Miyuki Maeda and Satoko Suetsuna become Japan's only hope to win the title when they made Korean Ha Jung-eun/Kim Min-jung surrender in tough rubber sets, 19-21, 21-18, and 21-14 in 75 minutes.

This becomes the longest semi-final match. They will take on fifth-seeded Ma Jin and Wang Xiaoli. Ma/Wang strived hard to win over Indonesia's Greysia Polii/Nitya Krishinda 18-21, 21-14, and Greysia/Nitya retired when the Chinese pair led 17-10 in the third set.

All-Chinese Final

Once again China made an all-Chinese women's singles as Wang Xin cruises to the final after an easy 21-15 21-17 win over compatriot second-seeded Wang Lin. The other Chinese player Wang Yihan vanquished Japan's Eriko Hirose in three sets, 18-21, 21-12, 21-9, in an hour and 4 minutes.

Men's singles semi-final result
Bao Chunlai (CHN) def. 8-Nguyen Thien Minh (VIE) 21-15, 21-16
4-Taufik Hidayat (INA) def. Simon Santoso (INA) 13-21, 21-12, 21-18

Indonesian Players Reign in Japan

Indonesian players book six Japan Open tickets. Simon Santoso will compete against senior Taufik Hidayat in the semi-final after defeating countryman Sony Dwi Kuncoro 21-16 and 21-17. The other men's singles semi-finalists are China's unseeded Bao Chunlai facing Vietnamese eight seed Nguyen Thien Minh.

Bao Chunlai overcame third-seeded Peter Gade 21-17 and 21-14 while Nguyen Thien Minh won a 21-14, 21-16 victory over Kazuteru Kozai, the only Japanese men's singles quarter-finalist.

In the men's doubles, Indonesia put 3 pairs in the semi-final as Markis Kido/Hendra Setiawan, Rian Sukmawan/Yonathan Dasuki, and Alvent Yulianto/Hendra Aprida Gunawan progressed.

World number one Markis/Hendra Setiawan easily conquered Korean Hwang Ji-man/Shin Baek-cheol 21-13, 21-19; Rian/Yonathan struggled hard to win over Malaysia's Zakry Abdul Latif/Fairuzizuan Tazari 25-23, 16-21, 21-10; Alvent/Hendra Gunawan took a 21-19, 12-21, 21-16 victory over fourth-seeded Mathias Boe/Carsten Mogensen of Denmark.

The other semi-finalist contenders are Howard Bach/Tony Gunawan of the United States. However even Tony is an Indonesian player, playing for the US. They will meet Rian/Yonathan in the semi-final.

In the women's doubles, Indonesian Greysia Polii/Nitya Krishinda moves to the semi-final after beating Japan's Kayako Konishi/Sayaka Takahashi 21-10, 21-17. But their success isn't followeed by another Indonesian pair, Shendy Puspa Irawati/Meiliana Jauhari.

Shendy/Meiliana were defeated by seventh seeds Miyuki Maeda/Satoko Suetsuna in straight sets, 19-21 and 10-21.

In mixed doubles event, there are two Indonesian pairs who will play in the semi-final. 2005 & 2007 world champion Nova Widhianto/Lilyana Natsir won over Korean Ko Sung-hyun/Ha Jung-eun 17-21, 21-7, 21-14 to meet six-seeded Joachim Fischer Nielsen/Christinna Pedersen who beat Indonesia's Devin Lahardi/Lita Nurlita 21-18 21-12.

Hendra Aprida Gunawan/Vita Marissa conquered Thomas Laybourn/Kamilla Rytter Juhl of Denmark 21-18 21-17 to set a semi-final clash with Thai Songpol Anukritayawan/Kuchala Worawichitchaikul.

The only semi-final that doesn't have Indonesian contenders is women's singles. Chinese Wang Yihan will compete against local favorite Eriko Hirose and another Chinese player, Wang Lin, will take on compatriot Wang Xin.

Seeded Players Crash Out

After the shocking results from Japan Open first round, the surprise continues today. Top seed Lee Chong Wei was stunned by Indonesian unseeded Simon Santoso in a tough three-setter, 21-19, 15-21, and 19-21.

Chong Wei was suffering from increasing pain on the left knee and although he was trailing 3-11 in the decider against Simon.

“I tried my best and called for time to tape the knee during the rubber game. I could have given up when I was trailing 3-11 but I did not want to lose that easily," said Chong Wei.

“This is a Yonex-sponsored event and I wanted to give my sponsor something to cheer about. Unfortunately, I had to give up against Simon’s persistent attacks at the end. I did not want to take a big risk by pushing it too hard.”

Simon Santoso will play against compatriot Sony Dwi Kuncoro in the quarter-final. Sony beat Chinese Chen Long 21-19, 15-21, and 21-14.

Following top-seeded Zhou Mi's defeat, Danish women's singles player Tine Rasmussen, seeded 3, was subjugated by qualifier Wang Xin of China 15-21, 21-15, and 21-14.

Kenichi Hayakawa and Kenta Kazuno's success of beating second-seeded Koo Kien Keat/Tan Boon Heong in the first round did not continue in the second round. The unseeded Japanase pair lost to their teammate Hirokatsu Hashimoto/Noriyasu Hirata 16-21, 21-18, and 21-23.

Second round selected results:

Men's singles
Bao Chunlai (CHN) def. Shon Wan-ho (KOR) 21-19 7-21 21-17
Kazeteru Kozai (JPN) def. Koichi Saeki (JPN) 21-15 21-15
Ngyuen Thien Minh (VIE) def. Sho Sasaki (JPN) 21-10 21-18

Women's singles
Eriko Hirose (JPN) def. Wong Mew Choo (MAS) 21-12 18-21 21-11
Salakjit Ponsana (THA) def. Kim Moon-hi (KOR) 21-19 21-19
7-Pi Hongyan (FRA) def. Porntip Buranaprasertsuk (THA) 9-21 21-16 21-12
2-Wang Lin (CHN) def. Zhu Lin (CHN) 21-11 21-12

Men's doubles
Hwang Ji-man/Shin Baek-cheol (KOR) def. Hiroyuki Endo/Shuichi Sakamoto (JPN) 21-14 18-21 21-17
Yonathan Suryatama Dasuki/Rian Sukmawan (INA) def. Mohammad Ahsan/Bona Septano (INA) 21-15 21-19
Howard Bach/Tony Gunawan (USA) def. Shohei Hoshino/Akira Kobayashi (JPN) 21-14 21-15
8-Alvent Yulianto/Hendra Aprida Gunawan (INA) def. Ko Sung-hyun/Kwon Yi-goo (KOR) 21-18 23-21
1-Markis Kido/Hendra Setiawan (INA) def. Flandy Limpele (INA)/Halim Haryanto (USA) 21-12 21-7

Women's doubles
2-Ha Jung-eun/Kim Min-jung (KOR) def. Misaki Matsumoto/Ayaka Takahashi (JPN) 21-18 21-10
4-Shendy Puspa Irawati/Meiliana Jauhari (INA) def. Shizuka Matsuo/Mami Naito (JPN) 17-21 21-14 21-13
7-Miyuki Maeda/Satoko Suetsuna (JPN) def. Mizki Fujii/Reika Kakiiwa (JPN) 21-18 18-21 21-8
6-Nitya Krishinda/Greysia Polii (INA) def. Petya Nedelcheva (BUL)/Anastasia Russkikh (RUS) 21-15 18-21 21-15

Mixed doubles
Devin Lahardi/Lita Nurlita (INA) def. 1-Lee Yong-dae/Lee Hyo-jung (KOR) withdraw
3-Nova Widhianto/Lilyana Natsir (INA) def. Takeshi Kamura/Koharu Yonemoto (JPN) 21-7 21-8
Ko Sung-hyun/Ha Jung-eun (KOR) def. Sudket Prapakamol/Saralee Thungthongkam (THA)19-21 21-10 21-18
Songpol Anukritayawan/Kuchala Worawichitchaikul (THA) def. Kenichi Hayakawa/Shizuka Matsuo (JPN) 20-22 21-8 21-16
Hendra Aprida Gunawan/Vita Marissa def. 2-Zheng Bo/Ma Jin (CHN) 11-21 21-9 21-17
5-Thomas Laybourn/Kamilla Rytter Juhl (DEN) def. Candra Wijaya (INA)/Anastasia Russkikh (RUS) 21-13 21-23 21-13

thestar

Lee Yong-dae Withdraws

Lee Yong-dae and Lee Hyo-jung displays their gold medals in 2008 Beijing Olympic Games

Tokyo - Korean doubles badminton star Lee Yong-dae will not play in Japan Open Super Series that will start on Tuesday (9/22) due to injury. Yong-dae withdrew from China Masters which ended last Sunday because of this injury too.

Thus, All England 2008 champions, Yong-dae and Jung Jae-sung, and mixed doubles' world number one pair Yong-dae/Lee Hyo-jung pull out of this tournament. This gives an advantage to Indonesian Rian Sukmawan/Yonathan Dasuki and the winner between Devin Lahardi/Lita Nurlita and Yoo Yeon-seong/Kim Min-jung.

Moreover, Chinese best men's doubles pair Cai Yun/Fu Haifeng also withdraw from Japan Open. They did not play in China Masters final too, giving their teammate Guo Zhendong/Xu Chen a walk-over win.

Lee Yong-dae's absence will reduce the competition in both the men's and mixed doubles. And two-times men's singles Japan Open winner Lin Dan will not play in Tokyo.

Lin Dan Stuns Boonsak, Two Pairs Retire

Changzhou - Local favorite Lin Dan subjugated Thailand's Boonsak Ponsana 21-17, 21-17 to claim his third title of this year. It is the only non-all-Chinese final in China Masters. Lin Dan was ahead in his smash winners 10-7 but Boonsak was better in the net with 13 winners to Lin Dan's 12.

In the first set, Lin Dan mostly led Boonsak, but Boonsak was able to equalize 7-7 and 14-14 before surrendering 17-21.

Lin Dan displayed his superiority in the second set after 2-2. Boonsak always trailed behind 13-7 and almost reached Lin Dan's point when it was 13-12. Nonetheless, Lin Dan won 21-17 and captured the crown.

China Masters final was started when third seeds Du Jing/Yu Yang playing against compatriot Cheng Shu/Zhao Yunlei. Du/Yu conquered the top seeds easily, 21-15 and 21-15.

However, the men's doubles match which was schedule to be played second was not performed since Cai Yun and Fu Haifeng withdrew. China's Guo Zhendong/Xu Chen clinched the title without any points.

Wang Shixian won a 21-14 14-21 21-14 triumph over teammate Wang Lin. After the women's singles match, the mixed doubles match of Tao Jiaming/Wang Xiaoli facing Xie Zhongbo/Zhang Yawen was played.

Xie/Zhang won the first set 21-13 and Tao/Wang fough hard to win the second set 21-19. However, in the third set, Xie/Zhang retired, giving Tao/Wang the 13-21, 21-19, and 8-4 victory.

Arsenal 4-0 Wigan

Cesc Fabregas runs after scoring Arsenal's last goal

Arsenal won their fifth match of the season when they beat Wigan Athletic 4-0. Thomas Vermaelen struck double.


Thomas Vermaelen's header

Eduardo made the lead comfortable. His first effort hit the post but the ball found its way back to him via Diaby, and the Croatian fired home through a deflection off Emmanuel Eboue.


Emmanuel Eboue slides

Captain Cesc Fabregas scored the last goal at the 90th minute when he turned the ball home at the near post from a low Bendtner cross. Arsenal has been absolutely dominant at that time, as the scoreline suggested.


Cesc on target



Eduardo holds off a challenge from Emmerson Boyce of Wigan Athletic - premierleague.com


Vermaelen carries the skipper Cesc


Eboue jumps and hugs Robin van Persie

Arsenal is now in the seventh place in the Premier League standings.


Thomas and Cesc celebrate Vermaelen's goal



pictures and text by arsenal.com

Lin Dan Faces Boonsak in the Final

2008 Olympic gold medalist Lin Dan showed who was superior when he overpowered top seed Lee Chong Wei 22-20, 15-21, and 21-7 in China Masters semi-final. Even though the first two sets were tough, Lin Dan gained the control in the third set and led 10-6. After 11-7, Chong Wei never grabbed a point.

It was Lin Dan’s third win over Chong Wei this year after his wins at All-England and the Sudirman Cup in Guangzhou. "We have to accept the fact that Lin Dan is the better player," said Malaysian coach Rashid Sidek.


Lin Dan

Lin Dan will meet Thai Boonsak Ponsana in the final. Boonsak is the only non-Chinese finalist after beating world number two Chen Jin 21-16, 4-21, and 21-19.

Other Semi-final (8/19) Results:

Men's Doubles
2-Cai Yun/Fu Haifeng (CHN) def. 8-Cho Gun-woo/Yoo Yeon-seong (KOR) 16-21 21-16 21-15
7-Guo Zhendong/Xu Chen (CHN) def. 3-Choong Tan Fook/Lee Wan Wah (MAS) 21-12 21-19

Women's Doubles
3-Yu Yang/Du Jing (CHN) def. 7-Gao Ling/Wei Yili (CHN) 21-9 21-17
1-Cheng Shu/Zhao Yunlei (CHN) def. 4-Pan Pan/Tian Qing (CHN) 21-11 21-13

Mixed Doubles
Tao Jiaming/Wang Xiaoli (CHN) def. Chen Zhiben/Zhang Jinkang (CHN) 21-15 21-12
Xie Zhongbo/Zhang Yawen (CHN) def. He Hanbin/Yu Yang (CHN) 21-13 26-24

Women's Singles
Wang Shixian (CHN) def. 5-Lu Lan (CHN) 16-21 21-11 21-14
2-Wang Lin (CHN) def. Wang Xin (CHN) 21-13 14-21 21-12

picture and source by thestar

China Dominates China Masters Semi-Finals

Changzhou (9/18) - China assures two China Masters titles from women's singles and mixed doubles when the semi-finalist are all Chinese. Women's fifth-seeded Lu Lan will face compatriot Wang Shixian while Wang Lin will play against Wang Xin.

In the mixed doubles, eight seeds Chen Zhiben/Zhang Jinkang will compete against Tao Jiaming and Wang Xiaoli. The winner of this match will meet either 3rd seeds Xie Zhongbo/Zhang Yawen or 2nd seeds He Hanbin/Yu Yang.

Lin Dan Fights Hard to Win

Former world number one Lin Dan struggled to beat Korean Park Sung-hwan in rubber-sets, 21-15, 13-21, and 23-21. He will play Lee Chong Wei in the men's singles semi-final tomorrow (8/18).

The other semi-finalist contenders are China's Chen Jin and Thai Boonsak Ponsana. Seventh seed Boonsak progressed after beating 3rd seed Peter Gade 21-11, 18-21, 21-13. Chen Jin stunned his junior Chen Long in a tough match, 21-16, 8-21, and 21-16.

In the men's doubles, another China players, Guo Zhendong/Xie Zhongbo, booked a semi-final clash with third seeds Choong Tan Fook/Lee Wan Wah. Guo/Xie downed countrymen Li Rui/Rao Yuqiang easily 21-13 and 21-13 after Choong/Lee subjugated Li Tian/Shen Ye 21-13, 22-20. Li/Rao played in the quarter-final because top-seeded Lee Yong-dae/Jung Jae-sung of Korea withdrew.

Korean pair, Cho Gun-woo/Yoo Yeon-seong, will challenge world champions Cai Yun and Fu Haifeng after beating Gan Teik Chai/Tan Bin Shen 21-18, 21-15. Cai Yun/Fu Haifeng made a comfortable 21-11, 21-10 victory over Cho/Yoo's teammates Ko Sung-hyun/Kwon Yi-goo.

Champions League Opener Results

Arsenal's Thomas Vermaelen scores the second goal.

Group A
Maccabi Haifa 0-3 Bayern Muenchen
Juventus 1-1 Bordeaux

Group B
Wolfsburg 3-1 CSKA Moscow
Besiktas 0-1 Manchester United

Group C
Marseille 1-2 AC Milan
FC Zurich 2-5 Real Madrid

Group D
Atletico Madrid 0-0 APOEL Nicosia
Chelsea 1-0 Porto

Group E
Liverpool 1-0 Debrecen
Lyon 1-0 Fiorentina

Group F
Dynamo Kiev 3-1 Rubin Kazan
Inter Milan 0-0 Barcelona

Group G
Sevilla 2-0 Unirea Urziceni
Stuttgart 1-1 Rangers

Group H
Olympiakos 1-0 AZ Alkmaar
Standard Liege 2-3 Arsenal


Eduardo is challenged by Standard Liege's player.


Vermaelen celebrates his goal.


Cesc Fabregas controls the ball.


Fabregas is challenged


Fabregas fights for the ball with Igor de Camar

all pictures by reuters and arsenal.com

Clijsters' Supreme Comeback

New York (9/13) - Kim Clijsters finished her amazing journey at Flushing Meadow with a sweet ending: she won the title after defeating 9th-seeded Caroline Wozniacki 7-5, 6-3.

For Clijsters, it is her 2nd Grand Slam in her career. She claimed her first in the same place, four years ago. Now, returning as the wife of American basketball player Brian Lynch and the mother of 18-month-old Jada Ellie, she becomes the third mother who wins a Grand Slam title, the former two being Australia's Margaret Court and Evonne Goolagong.

However, Clijsters affirmed that family is still her priority. After US Open, she declared that she would return to her home in Bree, Belgium.

Meanwhile, 19-year-old Wozniacki succeeded to reach her first Grand Slam final, after emerging as the champion in New Haven, a US Open warm-up tournament.

Del Potro Astonished Federer

In the men's singles final, which was delayed until Monday, 6th seed Juan Martin Del Potro surprised defending champion and the holder of 15 Grand Slam titles, Roger Federer, in a five-set thriller, 7-6, 4-6, 6-7, 6-3, and 2-6.

The 20-year-old Argentinian, who will celebrate his 21st birthday in September 23, was in tears after his unbelievable win. His triumph was made complete with the fact that he had defeated Rafael Nadal, who has just become the world number 2 again, in the semi-final.

With this loss, Federer failed to capture his consecutive 6th US Open title. He won since 2004 and never gave up a title until 2009.

Rain Delays US Open Matches

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Rainy Friday forced the cancellation of every match of the US Open. The tournament officials said the men's singles final will be held on Monday.

The quarter-final match between third seed Rafael Nadal and 11-seeded Fernando Gonzalez, which was suspended on Thursday due to rain, will be the first match in Saturday.

Nadal led Gonzalez 7-6, 6-6 while the Chilean serving at 2-3 in the tie-break.

The following match will be women's semi-finals, meeting Danish Caroline Wozniacki and Yanina Wickmayer, and Serena Williams facing Kim Clijsters.

Since Nadal and Gonzalez will be completing their match Saturday, the men's semi-finals have been rescheduled for Sunday with the championship final to be played on Monday, officials said.
The women's final is now scheduled to take place Sunday.



www.reuters.com

Federer Closer to 6th US Open Title

New York - Tennis world number one Roger Federer reached his 22nd semi-final of Grand Slam, crushing Robin Soderling of Sweden 6-0, 6-3, 6-7 (6), and 7-6 in US Open quarter-final. This is their third meeting in 2009 Grand Slams. Federer leads the head-to-head 12-0 after this win.

The world number one made it a round dozen in victories over the Swede, reaching the last four after extending his unbeaten run at Flushing Meadows to 39 matches.

28-year-old Federer took the first two sets quickly in just 59 minutes. However, Soderling fought hard to gain the third set, forcing Federer to a tie-break. Roger quickly moved to 4-0, only for Söderling to suddenly came alive, getting back to 5-5 and finally even taking the set. Federer served 28 aces, compared to Soderling's 11.

Federer will take on Serbian Novak Djokovic in the semi-final, like 2008 US Open semi-final. At that time, Federer won 6-3, 5-7, 7-5, and 6-2.

Earlier Djokovic beat 10 seed Fernando Verdasco 7-6 (2), 1-6, 7-5, and 6-2.


Federer chases a forehand to Soderling


"This feels great," Federer said. "It was so close towards the end and it's just a great relief to come through because Robin just got better and better as the match went on.

"I knew it was going to be tough but the beginning was a bit too easy and all of a sudden he found his way into the match and showed what a great player he really is."

Federer responded about his record of consecutive Grand Slam semi-final appearances: "It's not (a record) I aimed for, that's for sure but it's probably one of the greatest records for me in my personal career.

"I'm just happy it keeps on going. I'm healthy and I guess that's most important because that's what has allowed me to play well at majors and I'm in for a shot again to defend my title so that's fantastic."

"I'm sure it (a match against Djokovic)'s going to be a tough match, I'm looking forward to it," said Roger about facing Djokovic on Saturday.

Del Potro Books Semi-final Place

Six-seeded Juan Martin del Potro progresses to the semi-final after beating Croatian Marin Cilic 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-1. "I don't know how I turned it around but I kept fighting until the end and with the crowd it was so beautiful on centre court so I'm very happy," said the young Argentinian.

He will play against the winner of Rafael Nadal vs. Fernando Gonzalez. The match is delayed due to rain.

pictures by reuters

Serena to Meet Clijsters

New York (9/8) - Defending champion Serena Williams won over seven-seeded Italian Flavia Pennetta 6-4 6-3 in US Open quarter-final. She will face come-back Kim Clijsters who conquer eighteen seed Li Na in straight sets, 6-2, 6-4.


Melanie Oudin hits a return to Nadia Petrova.

The top-half quarter-finalists are not seeded except for Caroline Wozniacki (seeded 9). But she will meet a hard challange for her opponent teenager Melanie Oudin. Oudin, will be 18 years old in had beaten 3 seeded Russian players before: Elena Dementieva (4), Maria Sharapova (29), and Petrova (13). Reaching a Grand Slam quarter-final is the best result in Oudin's carreer.


Petrova congratulates Oudin after losing 6-1, 6-7 (2), and 3-6 to Oudin.


Murray Lost


Andy Murray reacts after losing a point against Marin Cilic

Second seed Andy Murray was defeated 5-7, 2-6, and 2-6 by 16-seeded Marin Cilic in the fourth round. The British failed to repeat his achievement in US Open 2008 as a finalist. Cilic will face Juan Martin del Potro who beat Juan Carlos Ferrero 6-3, 6-3, and 6-3.


Juan Martin del Potro returns a shot to Juan Carlos Ferrero.


all pictures by reuters

Five Times US Open Champion Express

Federer hits the ball into the stands after beating Greul

World number one Roger Federer moves to the third round after beating Germany's unseeded Simon Greul 6-3, 7-5, 7-5. The 2004-2008 US Open champion will take on 2001 US Open winner Lleyton Hewit who defeated Juan Ignacio Chela 6-3, 6-3, and 6-4.


Federer reaches back to return a volley to Greul

"I just had to make him play more shots, be more tough," said Federer. "I had to raise my level today to win because that's what was required to get through."


Fifth-seeded Roddick hits the ball


Roddick gives thumb's-up to the crowds

Local favorite Andy Roddick also reached the third round as he beat French Marc Gicquel 6-1, 6-4, and 6-4. His next opponent is compatriot John Isner.


Serena returns a forehand to Czink

In the women's singles, defending champion Serena Williams subdued Melinda Czink in an easy win, 6-1, 6-1, to meet Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez in the third round.




Mauresmo wipes her face s she loses to Wozniak

Former world number one Amelie Mauresmo suffered loss from Aleksandra Wozniak in the second round, 4-6 and 0-6. There are also surprises in the women's singles second round. Unseeded local player 17-year-old Melanie Oudin upset fourth seed of Russia, Elena Dementieva, 5-7, 6-4, and 6-3. Following the match, another unseeded player, Yaroslava Shvedova, overcame fifth-seeded Jelena Jankovic 6-3, 6-7 (4), and 7-6 (6).

all pictures by reuters