Federer's long winning streak ended by Canas

INDIAN WELLS, California, Mar 12 (Reuters) World number one Roger Federer's 41-match winning streak ended when he lost 7-5 6-2 to Argentine Guillermo Canas in the second round of the Pacific Life Open.

Federer, seeking his fourth title in a row at the Indian Wells Masters Series tournament, received treatment for blisters at the end of the first set and looked sluggish throughout the match.

The Swiss ten-times grand slam champion, whose last defeat was inflicted by Briton Andy Murray in Cincinnati in August, was hoping to break the professional era record of 46 successive wins set by Argentine Guillermo Vilas.

Federer celebrated his 161st consecutive week as world number one last month, breaking the 30-year-old record of American Jimmy Connors.

''It's great to beat the number one, I feel perfect,'' the 29-year-old Canas told reporters.

Canas outplayed Federer from the baseline, never allowing the the top seed to control the centre of the court and sealing victory with a powerful inside out forehand.

Canas, whose highest career ranking is eighth, returned to the tour last September after serving a 15-motnh suspension for a doping offence.

He lost in last round of qualifying for the tournament to German Alexander Waske, but earned a place in the draw when Belgium's Xavier Malisse withdrew due to injury.

Reuters DKS VP0750