Top seed Magnus Norman of Sweden cruised into the third round but second seed Yevgeny Kafelnikov of Russia was quickly sent out of the 415,200 Hamlet Cup tennis event. On Wednesday, Norman posted a 6-4 6-1 victory over countryman Jonas Bjorkman in 72 minutes after receiving a first-round bye. His next opponent will be Eric Taino of the United States.
Kafelnikov, who admitted he was not physically or psychologically ready to play, weakly succumbed to Karol Kucera of Slovakia 6-1 6-3 in 50 minutes.
The defending champion, Norman has been at or near the top of the ATP champions race for most of the season as he vies for his first year-end number one ranking. The Swede has a 51-16 season record with three tournament wins and a runner-up showing at the French Open.
But Norman has struggled in the summer hardcourt season, winning just two of four matches as he prepares for the US Open beginning next Monday.

Bureau Report