Escude sinks Kafelnikov
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/2317301.stm

Nicolas Escude reached the quarter-finals of the Lyon
Grand Prix with a 7-6 6-4 win over potential Davis Cup
foe Yevgeny Kafelnikov.

Second-seed Kafelnikov, who won the title in 1996, may
get a quick chance for revenge in next month's Davis
Cup final.

He is almost certain to play for Russia in the match
against France in Paris.

Escude's place in the French team is in doubt as the
tie will be played on clay, a surface he rarely shines
on.

It was Escude's first match back after tearing an
abdominal muscle three months ago and he looked in
good shape.

"It is great to beat him at last on a fast surface,"
said the Frenchman.

"At the end of the first set I hit a purple patch. But
I had trouble recovering from the excitement of the
tie-break which I won with a reflex volley that was a
bit lucky."

Kafelnikov streaked into a 4-1 lead in the second set
before Escude pegged him back with some aggressive play,
but the Russian was still pleased with his performance.

"I am surprised how well he played," he said.

"Personally I am happy with my performance but I didn't
have a chance on the crucial points.

He added: "It doesn't bother me losing against all these
French players here provided I win my Davis Cup matches
at Bercy."

Escude's will go on to face Danish qualifier Kristian
Pless in the last eight.

Fourth seed Thomas Johansson retired from his match with
France's Paul-Henri Mathieu with the match level at one
set apiece.

The Swede decided to call it a day after talking with a
trainer after suffering back spasms.

He said he will return to Sweden for some treatment before
deciding whether to play in the Madrid Masters next week.