Defending champion Michael Chang erased a 1-5 second-set deficit to defeat Israeli qualifier Noam Behr 6-2 7-5, on Monday in the first round of the 375,000 ATP tennis tournament Los Angeles. Chang, whose victory in LA last year was his first since 1998, is hoping a return to Los Angeles can jumpstart a lacklustre season. The 29-year-old American has yet to reach a quarter-final this year. Big-serving Briton Greg Rusedski believes he has found what he needs to climb from his current number 19 in the ATP champions race -- good health.

Rusedski launched his hardcourt season with a 6-4 7-6 (7/4) victory over Paradorn Srichaphan. “I was pleased, I thought I served well,” said Rusedski, who already has one title to his credit this year after failing to win a tournament in his injury-plagued 2000. “I was never pushed on my serve. Only one game went to deuce and I didn't face a break point.”

Bureau Report