Short Corner

Rafter losesz

SYDNEY: Dual US Open champion Patrick Rafter crashed out of the Sydney International tournament today, losing to unheralded teenaged compatriot Lleyton Hewitt in the first round.

Rafter, a second round loser to Czech Slava Dosedel at the Adelaide men8217;s hardcourt event last week, lost 7-6 7-1 6-1 in 81 minutes.

Korda ready

MELBOURNE: Australian Open champion Petr Korda said he would attend a meeting of his peers this weekend that is due to discuss his lenient treatment over a positive steroid test.

But the wiry Czech veteran vowed to defend his title at the year8217;s first Grand Slam tournament whatever was said.

8220;I will stand in front of the players, I do not have any problem to stand in front of anybody,8221; Korda told reporters at aMelbourne warm-up event.

8220;I didn8217;t do anything, so why I should hide myself?8221;

Rubin cruises into third round

HOBART: American fifth seed Chanda Rubin crushed compatriot Samantha Reeves, a qualifier, 6-1, 6-1 in the second round of the Tasmanian International today.

But third-seeded Virginia Ruano-Pascual of Spain had to work much harder to overcome another qualifier, Canada8217;s Maureen Drake.

After sharing two tight sets, Ruano-Pascual asserted her authority in the decider to win 7-5, 4-6, 6-2.

Romanian Ruxandra Dragomir became the third seed to fall by the wayside when she was comprehensively outplayed by Italy8217;s Rita Grande.

Dragomir, seeded seven, had no answer to Grande8217;s big forehand and crisp volleying and the Italian, who has been sidelined by a back injury, won 6-1 6-3.