Paris, Nov 03: Australia's Todd Woodbridge saw his hopes of setting a new record for winning doubles titles shattered here Saturday when he and partner Jonas Bjorkman were beaten in the semi-finals of the Paris Masters.
The second seeds went down to a 7-6 (7/4) 2-6 6-2 defeat to fourth-seeded Frenchmen Michael Llodra and Fabrice Santoro, the Australian Open champions who go on to face Wayne Arthurs and Paul Hanley in the final.
Woodbridge had tied the record last week in Stockholm where he and his Swedish partner won the title to take him level with the all-time Mark of 78 doubles crowns held by Dutchman Tom Okker.
The 32-year-old Australian, winner of 11 grand slam doubles titles with retired partner Mark Woodforde and four with Bjorkman, now has his sights set on becoming the best ever.
But after Saturday's defeat, he will have to wait to achieve the record at the season-ending Masters Cup in Houston later this month.



Woodbridge and Bjorkman have also won in Halle, Wimbledon and the US Open this season.


Bureau Report