Paradorn powers past Arthurs in serving battle

INDIANAPOLIS, July 20 (Reuters) Thailand's Paradorn Srichaphan began his hardcourt campaign by coming out on top in a serving duel with Australian qualifier Wayne Arthurs, winning 7-6 6-7 6-4 at the RCA Championships.

The second-round victory left the eighth seed breathing easier following seven first-round losses on clay and a first-round defeat at Wimbledon.

''It could have gone either way,'' Paradorn told reporters after the match yesterday. ''It was just a few points here and there. I think of this as the start of a new season for me.

''I hope I can do much better than I've done so far.'' Paradorn, ranked 40th, improved his 2006 mark to 15 wins and 16 defeats as he produced 16 aces on a steamy afternoon.

But his effort was dwarfed by 29 cannonballs fired over by Arthurs, at 35 the oldest man in the field.

German fifth seed Tommy Haas defeated Swiss George Bastl 6-3 6-3.

''Any victories are a bonus,'' Haas told reporters. ''But I'm really using these coming weeks as a build-up for the US Open.'' Belgian fifth seed Xavier Malisse beat Korea's Lee Hyung-taik 7-6 6-1 but number six Dominik Hrbaty lost to Dane Kenneth Carlsen 6-3 6-2.

Reuters YA GC0438