Open Champ Falls

Australian Open finalist Marcelo Rios was bounced from the Dubai Open, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, losing in straight sets, 6-3, 6-3 to New Zealand’s‘ Brett Steven and Boris Becker turned in a spectacular performance in one of his rare appearances.

Becker, who is restricting himself to 10-12 tournaments this year, was in top form as he crushed Tim Henman 7-5, 6-0, dropping only three points in seven service games at one stage.

The lesser lights of the women’s tennis tour have settled a dispute with the stars that will allow more input by players into tour management.

The agreement will integrate the players’ group with the tour’s management by making the Corel WTA Tour staff more directly responsible to players.