Hingis marks US comeback with easy victory

INDIAN WELLS Mar 11 (Reuters) In her first appearance on US soil in over three years, Martina Hingis routed France's Camille Pin 6-1 6-3 in the second round of the Pacific Life Open.

Hingis, who last competed in America when she fell to Monica Seles in the fourth round of the 2002 US Open, was overjoyed with the reception she received yesterday.

''It's great,'' said Hingis, who won the title in 1998.

''Wherever I go, people are very welcoming and friendly.'' Putting on a impressive all-court display, the 25-year-old Hingis showed the same stellar form that once brought her the world number one ranking and five grand slam titles.

''Maybe I have this little underdog thing now, not being out there for three years and coming back,'' Hingis said. ''You've seen that in the past with some other athletes and it's nice to feel the same way.'' Hingis will now face Austria's Sybille Bammer, who upset number 15 seed Jelena Jankovic 7-5 6-4.

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