Relentless Nalbandian slides past Clement

LONDON, June 28 (Reuters) Former finalist David Nalbandian wore down experienced French baseliner Arnaud Clement 6-4 6-4 6-3 to reach the third round at Wimbledon today.

The Argentine fourth seed pummelled Clement, sporting customary red bandana and sunglasses, with his hefty serve and pounding groundstrokes.

Nalbandian, who lost the 2002 final to Lleyton Hewitt, broke serve early in all three sets and defended doggedly, finishing with an emphatic crosscourt winner for another break in the final game.

He next meets either Fernando Verdasco of Spain or German qualifier Benjamin Becker.

Reuters SHR VV2140