Hardcourt specialist Blake hungry for success in LA

LOS ANGELES, July 14 (Reuters) American James Blake, hunting his first ATP tournament success in six months, is title-hungry as he prepares for next week's Los Angeles Open on his favourite surface.

The 27-year-old relishes playing during the US hardcourt summer season and likes his chances in his first appearance since losing in the Wimbledon third round a fortnight ago.

''I feel good,'' Blake told reporters yesterday after being seeded second for the ATP event at the Los Angeles Tennis Center from July 16 to 22.

''Being back on the hard court gives me the same feeling as last year coming in to Indianapolis. It's clearly my favourite time of year, my favourite events and favourite surface.

''Any time I get that anxious, excited feeling to be on the court, I feel like I'm going to be pretty dangerous.'' Blake triumphed in Indianapolis last year en route to a career-best season that featured five ATP titles on four continents and eight finals appearances.

He ended 2006 as the American number one and ranked in the world's top five.

NINTH TITLE Although he went on to beat Spain's Carlos Moya in the Sydney International final in early January to clinch his ninth ATP title, he has since been frustrated by his performances.

''I haven't been that really deep in a tournament for a while so it would be a great feeling (to do so next week),'' Blake said.

''And I think I have a chance but I'm not going to panic. I'm not going to worry if the first couple (of tournaments) I don't go deep.

I know I have the ability to do it.

''It's just a matter of staying patient and being aggressive,'' added the world number nine.

''I really get excited about playing some good tennis and showing everyone again that I can play at that level.'' World number six Fernando Gonzalez of Chile is top seed for next week's event. Blake is seeded second, twice grand slam singles champion Marat Safin of Russia third and Argentina's David Nalbandian fourth.

REUTERS BJR PM0925