Sampras tames Rafter, nets $2 million

MUNICH, Sept 28: Pete Sampras broke the bank today at the Grand Slam Cup, defeating US Open champion Patrick Rafter 6-2 6-4 7-5 to wrap up ...

MUNICH, Sept 28: Pete Sampras broke the bank today at the Grand Slam Cup, defeating US Open champion Patrick Rafter 6-2 6-4 7-5 to wrap up a week’s work worth $2 million.

Sampras, whose payout included a $500,000 bonus for titles at the Australian Open and Wimbledon, hiked his 1997 prize-money substantially and ran his total winnings at the Munich event in six appearances to nearly $7.4 million.

Sampras continued his career-long domination over his Australian opponent in the one hour, 35-minute contest.

The victory came less than 24 hours after he ousted British number one Greg Rusedski in a five-set semi-final 3-6 7-6 (7-1) 7-6 (7-4) 6-2 that also witnessed 37 aces from the Briton.

Rafter earned his place in the championship match by overcoming Czech player Petr Korda in five draining sets 7-5 3-6 6-7 (4-7) 7-6 (7-4) 9-7 lasting for more than four hours yesterday.

Coetzer shocks Hingis

LEIPZIG (Germany): South Africa’s Amanda Coetzer upset Martina Hingis handing the Swiss Wunderkind’ just her third loss of the year to move into the finals of the $450,000 Leipzig Open.

Coetzer, who struggled to reach the semis, bested Hingis 6-4 4-6 7-6 (7-3) in just under two hours yesterday. Hingis, who turns 17 on Tuesday, saw her record fall to 69-3 for the year.