
MONTE CARLO MONACO, April 23: Spain8217;s Felix Mantilla advanced to the semifinals of the 2.2 million Monte Carlo Open today with a close-fought win over countryman Albert Costa.
Mantilla, the No.15 seed, won 6-4, 6-7 2-7, 7-6 7-4 in two hours 46 minutes, after Costa had wasted four match points in the final set.In later action, Mark Philippoussis plays Marcelo Rios, while No.1 seed Carlos Moya takes on France8217;s Jerome Golmard.
Stoltenberg falls
LAKE BUENA VISTA: Top seed Jason Stoltenberg of Australia saved six match points but was unable to save himself as he fell to Argentine Herman Gumy in the second round of the Clay Court Championships yesterday.Gumy reached his first ATP tour quarter-final since August 1997 with the 7-6 7-3, 7-6 7-4 victory over the top seed in two hours and 28 minutes.
Pierce advances
CAIRO: Second-seeded Mary Pierce of France advanced to the quarterfinals of the Egypt Classic beating Seda Noorlander of The Netherlands 6-3, 4-6, 7-5 hereyesterday. Pierce will face Irina Spirlea of Romania, a 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 7-1 winner over Kristie Boogert.