Thursday, January 17, 2008

BAGHDATIS DEFEATS SAFIN IN A THRILLER

Marcos Baghdatis pulled out some old magic to beat former No. 1 Marat Safin 6-4, 6-4, 2-6, 3-6, 6-2 Thursday at the Australian Open, evoking memories of his run to the 2006 final.

The marquee matchup of the night was packed with drama - long rallies, improbable winners and shifts in momentum.

Baghdatis appeared to be on his way to a straight-sets victory, looked down and out, then pulled himself together to set up a third-round meeting with another former No. 1, Lleyton Hewitt.

The mercurial Safin, the 2005 champion who has slipped to No. 56 on a rash of injuries, tossed his racket twice in frustration while falling behind, then broke it after dropping serve early in the fifth set.

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