Sugiyama halts Hingis comeback

LONDON, June 30 (Reuters) Martina Hingis's Wimbledon comeback stalled in the third round today when she was outclassed by Japan's Ai Sugiyama 7-5 3-6 6-4.

The 1997 champion and 12th seed, playing at the grasscourt grand slam for the first time since 2001, had lost just seven games coming into the match.

Sugiyama proved to be a more stubborn opponent, taking the first set and storming back from 3-0 down in the decider to clinch victory when Hingis put a backhand wide.

She will next meet French qualifier Severine Bremond for a place in the quarter-finals.

Reuters HS VV2330