LOS ANGELES - Top seed Andre Agassi powered into the semi-finals of the Los Angeles Open with a 6-2 4-6 6-4 win over Thailand's Paradorn Srichaphan.
Agassi, 35, back in action for the first time since the French Open two months ago, moved within two victories of his fourth title here.
The eight-times grand slam champion, who has been sidelined with a nagging hip injury, broke serve twice in the opening set and gained another break to lead 2-1 in the second.
But world number 44 Paradorn broke back in the sixth game and went on to level the match when Agassi double-faulted.
The American regained the initiative early in the third set before clinching victory on his fifth match point.
"It felt good," Agassi told reporters. "It's been hard the last eight weeks to be sitting around watching the biggest tournaments in the world pass you by.
"But I'm committed to never again being on court when I'm just limping along, if I'm not healthy I won't be playing.
"I've got three wins under my belt (this week). I didn't know what to expect but each match has gotten better...it feels really good."
Agassi, who won this title in 1998, 2001 and 2002 and also lost in the final in 1988 and 1999, now plays Argentine Juan Ignacio Chela who defeated Belgian Xavier Malisse 6-4 7-6.
- REUTERS
Tennis: Agassi holds off Paradorn to book semi-final place
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