Nalbandian secures Masters Cup slot

PARIS, Nov 2 (Reuters) Argentine David Nalbandian today became the sixth player to qualify for the season-ending Masters Cup in Shanghai later this month.

Nalbandian beat world number one Roger Federer in last year's final of the event featuring the top eight players in the ATP Race.

The 2002 Wimbledon runner-up made sure of qualifying after German Tommy Haas beat American James Blake 6-4 6-2 in the third round of the Paris Masters.

Nalbandian, who missed the Paris tournament because of gastroenteritis, joins Federer, Rafael Nadal, Ivan Ljubicic, Andy Roddick and Nikolay Davydenko in the Shanghai field.

Four players -- Blake, Tommy Robredo, Mario Ancic and Haas --- remain in contention for the last two remaining spots for the Nov. 12-19 tournament.

REUTERS AY HS2124