Ancic powers back into action in Beijing

BEIJING, Sep 12 (Reuters) Mario Ancic looked rusty but had enough power and class to dispose of Spain's Feliciano Lopez 6-3 3-6 6-3 in the first round of the China Open today, his return to action after two months out injured.

The fourth seed's last competitive match was a quarter-final defeat to Roger Federer at Wimbledon after which he injured his knee when he slipped trying to jump into the sea from a yacht off the coast of his native Croatia.

The injury ended a purple patch for the 22-year-old during which he won the second ATP title of his career at 's-Hertogenbosch, reached the last eight at successive grand slams and rose to a career-high seventh in the world rankings.

Back on court in Beijing today, the tall righthander made the most of Lopez's frequent errors and flapping backhand to take the first set with some ease.

But Lopez fought back to take the second by converting his second break point when Ancic put a forehand wide after a mammoth seventh game.

Ancic responded by breaking the Spaniard in the second game of the third set and then saved three break points to win the next game and clinched the match with an unreturnable serve.

Ranked 12th in the world after his break, Ancic is still determined to return to China for the Masters Cup in November.

''I've got my visa and I hope that will serve for Shanghai as well, that's my goal,'' he said.

REUTERS AY RK1905