American Blake exposes Paradorn in first round

PARIS, May 29 (Reuters) American James Blake exposed the claycourt shortcomings of Thailand's Paradorn Srichaphan today with a 6-0 6-4 7-6 victory in the first round of the French Open.

Blake's win meant he matched his best performance at Roland Garros, where he has never advanced beyond the second round.

The men's eighth seed, who is a potential quarter-final opponent of defending champion Rafael Nadal, was rampant in the first set and sealed victory with a forehand volley to take the third set tiebreak 7-3.

Blake will play either talented Spaniard Nicolas Almagro or Australian Wayne Arthurs in round two.

REUTERS PG RK2052