Massu Beats 2003 Finalist Hrbaty
Fourth seed and champion in 2001 and 2004 plus a beaten finalist in 2003 Dominik Hrbaty of Slovakia was unceremoniously dumped out of the Heineken Open singles first round by Nicolas Massu of Chile.
Massu, a former world No9, defeated the 15th-ranked Hrbaty 6-2 6-4.
"I played very good," said Massu who had the near-capacity crowd on their feet including a large Chilean contingent.
"It's very nice to have Chileans all around the world."
The 65th ranked Massu was ranked as high as nine in September 2004 but had a stress fracture in his left foot leaving him off the court for three months.
"I had a lot of problems last year and did not start playing until May in Houston. It's difficult to come back," he said.
The pace of the 2004 Athens gold medallist around the court was too much for the usually reliable Hrbaty.
The win was his first in singles since the US Open in September.
Massu will no take on Christophe Rochus who along with brother, Olivier scored a straight set first round. Christophe beat Jose Acasuso (a quarter-finalist in Auckland last year) while Olivier defeated Albert Montanes.
Massu admitted that he didn't know who he would face in the next round and didn't really care.
"I don't like to see the draws. I just keep my mind on my match.
Christophe is a great player. I think I beat him before.
Meanwhile number one seed and defending champion Fernando Gonzalez of Chile won stylishly in straight sets against Peru's lucky loser Luis Horna, 6-3 6-4.
Martin and Nieminen Advance
