Safin tames Sela in another marathon

MELBOURNE, Jan 17 (Reuters) Former champion Marat Safin survived another tense five-set match to beat 21-year-old Israeli Dudi Sela 6-3 5-7 4-6 7-6 6-0 in the Australian Open second round today.

The Russian, the 2005 winner who missed last year's tournament through injury, was within two points of defeat in the fourth set before a rain delay helped him secure a potentially explosive clash with American Andy Roddick.

''I was struggling for about two sets and I couldn't understand what to do and I couldn't really serve,'' Safin told a news conference.

''Then the rain came and changed everything because otherwise I don't think I would have won.'' Safin, seeded 26th, started well and overpowered his opponent in the first set, but Sela, ranked 202nd in the world, grew in confidence as his opponent started to make errors.

The 26-year-old Safin's frustration mounted in the second set and Sela took advantage, moving the big Russian around the court and using his speed and agility to good effect.

Safin, who kicked the net in anger after missing an easy volley, broke Sela's serve twice in the fourth set but the 21-year-old Israeli hit back to level at 5-5.

The players were forced off court by rain with Safin serving at 6-5 down and 30-30 but the 2000 US Open champion returned to hit an ace and went on to take the tiebreak 7-4.

That settled him down further and he breezed through the final set, sealing victory in three hours 21 minutes on his third match point.

Safin paid tribute to his opponent's performance.

''Whatever I was doing, he was making passing shots all the way around the court, he was full of energy and showing great spirit,'' he said.

Safin, who struggled past German Benjamin Becker on Monday and has now won 26 of the 37 five-set matches he has played, said he was looking forward to playing Roddick.

''It's an interesting match for both of us,'' he said. ''He has changed his game a bit but I feel like I am ready after two five-setters. I am warmed up and not feeling tired.'' REUTERS SAM VC1707