Kafelnikov beats Enqvist, Agassi defeats Sampras at ATP

HANOVER, Germany - Second-ranked Yevgeny Kafelnikov of Russia outlasted Sweden's Thomas Enqvist 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 at the ATP Tour World Championship today to move close to clinching a place in the semifinals.

Kafelnikov raised his record in the White Group to 2-0, while Enqvist fell to 1-1.

Whether Kafelnikov is already through to the last eight will depend on the outcome of the other group match, Todd Martin vs. Nicolas Kiefer.

Kafelnikov broke the fourth-ranked Swede's serve for a 2-0 lead in the final set, only to drop his own serve in the seventh game.

But Enqvist was unable to use his opportunity and saved two match point on his serve in the 10th game.

Kafelnikov, who overcame 18 aces by Enqvist, set up his third match point with a passing shot and then saw Enqvist's backhand sail into the net.

The outcome was a repeat of the Australian Open final, when Kafelnikov also won.

Enqvist has risen to a career-high No. 4 in the world after winning the Eurocard Open in Stuttgart, Germany, and the Stockholm Open in his homeland in the run-up to Hanover.

Andre Agassi and Pete Sampras are combining for the best rivalry in tennis. It's been a long time coming.

"When we are both playing well, on top of our game, there's a good chance we'll get through these tough matches and meet in the finals or semis of the Slams," Sampras said. "If that happens, we can definitely take this game to a whole new level, especially in the United States."

Playing his third match after hip and back injuries, Sampras lost 6-2, 6-2 to Agassi at the ATP Tour World Championship on Wednesday.

"I was a touch rusty, but it had a lot to do with Andre," Sampras said. "It's not an excuse, he clearly outplayed me."

Agassi acknowledged that Sampras' rustiness had a lot to do with the smooth victory.

"On my best day, I couldn't beat Pete 2 and 2 if he's playing what he's capable of," Agassi said. "I could have everything go well for me and I am not going to beat him 2 and 2."

Sampras gave Agassi all the credit.

"He returned incredibly, he hardly missed a shot," Sampras said. "I am disappointed the way it went today, but I'm not discouraged. I just ran into Andre who is playing about as well as he's played against me in quite a while."

Agassi and Sampras have been among tennis' most outstanding players for much of the 1990s.

Talent was never a question in Agassi's case, but his commitment to the game was.

He fell in the rankings from No. 1 to No. 141, at one point appearing at the end of his career.

Agassi finally lived up to his potential this year, winning two Grand Slam titles - the French Open and the U.S. Open - and losing the Wimbledon final to Sampras.

He has seized the No. 1 ranking and is assured of finishing the year in that spot, after Sampras had done it for six straight years.

While Agassi's career wavered between brilliance and insignificance, Sampras collected 12 Grand Slam titles. When Agassi played well, Sampras was often hurt.

That was the case this year at the U.S. Open, which Sampras had to skip because of injury.

Agassi is now 2-0 in the round-robin tournament, while Sampras is 1-1 and still in the running for a place in the semifinals. Agassi said he wouldn't be surprised to see Sampras even in the final.

"The guy can improve like nobody," Agassi said.

The $3.6 million season-ending event brings together the world's top eight players. They are split into two groups, with the top two finishers advancing to the last four.

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