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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Sampras No. 1 Again

Compiled From Wire Services

Pete Sampras, putting his big serve to good use, easily defeated Andre Agassi 6-2, 6-3 to win the Sybase Open in San Jose, Calif., and regain his ranking as the world’s top player.

Sampras entered the match ranked No. 2 and Agassi was No. 3. The winner was assured of overtaking No. 1 Thomas Muster, who lost last Wednesday at the Dubai Open in his first match at the top.

Agassi’s vaunted return game was no match for Sampras’ overpowering and deceptive serve. Sampras won eight of the first nine points and broke Agassi in the second game, holding his serve and fighting off three break points the rest of the way.

Guy Forget extended Cedric Pioline’s losing streak in finals, beating his fellow Frenchman 7-5, 6-4 at the Marseille Open in Marseille, France.

Forget won his 11th career title but first since Toulouse in 1992.