Yeltsin brings Russians luck in Paris

PARIS, Jun 3 (Reuters) Russia's women players have a lucky mascot at this year's French Open in former president Boris Yeltsin.

Yeltsin, 75, has been watching from the stands the past two days at Roland Garros and today congratulated Anastasia Myskina on her 6-2 6-3 third round win over Serbian Ana Ivanovic.

''He said I played really nice and good,'' said Myskina, the 2004 champion. ''He was really happy.

''When he watched before, I never lose a match so far. So I hope he's going to stay here.

''I just know he brings a lot of luck for Russian players.

''When we do something really great on a tennis court, he always invites us for tea or lunch to celebrate together the victory.

''Boris Yeltsin gives his heart for tennis, he loves tennis.

He just the biggest fan that I've ever known in my life. He does it from the heart, that's why he brings luck.'' Maria Sharapova signed a straw hat for Yeltsin after he watched her win over Australian Alicia Molik yesterday.

If he stays around tomorrow, the ex-president's affections may be divided at her fourth round match, however. Sharapova plays fellow Russian Dinara Safin.

Reuters PG GC1905