Paris, June 03: Andre Agassi's bid to land a second French Open crown ended in failure today when Argentine seventh seed Guillermo Coria beat the 33-year-old American 4-6 6-3 6-2 6-4 to reach the men's semi-finals. Agassi, playing the 999th match of his sparkling career which has brought a complete collection of grand slam singles titles - achieved uniquely on three different surfaces - was hoping to stay on course for a fourth final appearance after his 1999 success and losing appearances in 1990 and 1991.

Had he made the final he would have displaced Australian Lleyton Hewitt as world number one for the second time this season.

Instead it was Coria who moved on after a 2hr 32min blistering display of passion and precision - after he had recovered from losing the opening set having squandered a 4-1 lead.

At the death an exhausted Agassi drove long and Coria slumped over the net, hardly able to drink in a famous win.

"That was really hard. Agassi is my childhood idol," said the 21-year-old from Rufino, who experienced the agony of a doping suspension two seasons ago for taking a food supplement which later proved to be contaminated.

"It's a dream to get into the semis at Roland Garros," added Coria, who had never previously come so far at a grand slam event.

"I really wanted to win this one. I put all the tiredness behind me and fought for every point even if I messed up the first set."

Coria said he believed Agassi would be back.

"I think Andre will be back a few more times - he's still in good shape."

Bureau Report