Roddick maintains momentum with Houston stroll

NEW YORK, Apr 11 (Reuters) Defending champion and top seed Andy Roddick eased into the second round of the U S Clay Court Championships in Houston, with a straightforward 6-3 6-2 win over Paul Capdeville of Chile.

Second seeded American James Blake, however, made an early exit, beaten 7-6 (7-2) 3-6 6-1 by Frenchman Antony Dupuis.

Eighth-seeded Juan Monaco of Argentina was also among the early casualties falling 6-2 1-6 7-6 (7-5) to American wild card Mardy Fish.

Roddick, who helped lead the U S past Chile in the Davis Cup quarter-final in California at the weekend, needed just 58 minutes to dispose of Capdeville yesterday and remain on course for a sixth consecutive appearance in the U S Clay Court final and a fourth title success.

The former world number one arrived in Houston still searching for his first title of the season.

In other first-round action, Vince Spadea of the U S advanced with 6-1 6-3 decision over Argentine Carlos Berlocq while Scoville Jenkins stopped Russian qualifier Igor Kunitsyn 7-5 2-6 6-3.

Reuters AY DS1230