Baghdatis returns from the brink to stun Federer

Roger Federer squandered three match points before suffering a shock 5-7 7-5 7-6 (4) defeat at the hands of Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis at the Indian Wells ATP tournament on Tuesday. The Swiss world No 1,who had beaten the Cypriot in all six of their previous meetings,lost the tiebreak 7-4 and the third-round match when he failed to return his opponents powerful first serve.

Federer held two match points late in the second set and another in the 12th game of the third but wasted all of them through unforced errors. Seven is my lucky number, a jubilant Baghdatis said after claiming victory in two hours,22 minutes. I dont know what to say. Its an amazing win for me.

The 27th-ranked Baghdatis will next meet Spaniard Tommy Robredo,who beat Israels Dudi Sela.

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I used up too many chances, Federer said. Comes back and haunts you. But he hung in there,obviously,otherwise he wouldnt be there. That was the result.

American Andy Roddick booked his place in the fourth round with a 6-3 6-4 win against Dutchman Thiemo de Bakker,where he was joined by fourth seed Andy Murray,who beat American Michael Russell 6-3 7-5.