Russian Nikolay Davydenko triumphs
at Hypo Group Tennis International 2006

The number one of the tournament wins in the
finals in Pörtschach over Romanian Andrei Pavel
after only 62 minutes by 6:0 and 6:3 and thus
successfully defends last year's title

In the subsequent double finals Paul Hanley (AUS) / Jim Thomas (USA) win against Oliver Marach and his Czech partner Cyril Suk 6:3 4:6 10-5

Nikolay Davydenko is the winner of the Hypo Group Tennis International 2006. In the finals the Russian beat Romanian Andrei Pavel clearly by 6:0 and 6:3. In the first set Davydenko broke his opponent no less than three times and won 6:0 after only 25 minutes. At the beginning of set two Davydenko broke Pavel's service again immediately for 1:0 and, following another break for 6:3, celebrated an unchallenged victory.

On his way to the title Davydenko never lost a set and was on the court only about five hours during five matches: " Things went according to plan. I didn't really have to fight hard in any of the matches and never was on court much longer than an hour. In this manner I was able to get used to the new balls and prepare for Paris without exerting myself too much. I'm happy that I could defend the title, celebrate my sixth tournament win and gain several points for the ranking. This gives me a good feeling for the French Open. Tomorrow I will fly to Paris with Ronnie Leitgeb and start training there."

In the subsequent double finals Paul Hanley (AUS) / Jim Thomas (USA) win against Oliver Marach and his Czech partner Cyril Suk 6:3 4:6 10-5

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Successful premiere for Hypo Group Tennis
International 2006 in Pörtschach

21.200 spectators plus today's day tickets make
for positive balance of the tournament week

Positive evaluation by ATP

Head of Organisation Ronnie Leitgeb intends to
build the tournament's future on three main pillars

Just prior to the beginning of the single finals on the centre court of the Werzer tennis facilities in Pörtschach, Head of Organisation Ronnie Leitgeb drew a positive and satisfying résumé of the whole week of the tournament.

" In their evaluation the ATP said that the tournament was an absolute success. The location of Pörtschach was praised, the schedule was exact, and the on-court service as well as the VIP-area were especially singled out. Only a few hotels will have to adapt to ATP-standard. One wish of the ATP is a fourth match court for next year. The ATP officials were especially enthused by the gala evening on Friday where the two finalists of the tournament were presented. This established an important contact between sponsors, the municipality and the sport itself," Leitgeb explained.

" Another positive aspect was the acceptance by the public. 21.200 visitors were counted during the whole week, a figure that doesn't yet include the day tickets for the finals. Among them were 1.300 VIP-guests who had been cared for on the Seebühne. All this in spite of having lost one and a half days due to bad weather. There are three pillars on which the future of the tournament will be built. First, we have agreed on a five-year-cooperation with the Hypo Alpe Adria Group. Second, that the Werzer tennis facilities remain intact and won't have to give way to a convention centre and third, the fact that there will be a superstar playing in Pörtschach once again. This has already been firmly booked. Lleyton Hewitt, who currently is not feeling too well in Paris due to his injury, has ensured me of his willingness to come back to Carinthia in a personal letter (as annexed)" , said Leitgeb, who had managed to build up the tournament from zero within the record time of only two months, aided by the small team of the Kärntner Tennisverband (Carinthian Tennis Organisation).

Tomorrow, Sunday, at 12.00 the two finalists Nikolay Davydenko and Andrei Pavel will be flown by Ronnie Leitgeb in person from the airport in Klagenfurt to the French Open in Paris.

The only negative aspect for the tournament was the collision with the GTI-meeting that took place at the same time. " It is a shame how some of these people behaved. Someone broke into a wine booth on the tournament facilities, all decorations on the main street were torn down, tennis rackets were stolen, an oil barrel was emptied on the access road and further damage was done as well," said a disappointed Leitgeb. " In the future, with the help of the municipality, I will use all my influence to rid Pörtschach of this plague."

It is planned to take care that the tournament will not overlap with this event next year.

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Titleholder Nikolay Davydenko (RUS) has reached the
finals of the Hypo Group Tennis International 2006

The number one in Pörtschach beats Czech Jiri Novak
clearly by 6:2 and 6:2 after only 1, 08 hours

Luis Horna (PER) gave wo in the semi finals; thereby
Romanian Andrei Pavel (ROM) reaches the finals by default

Therefore the double Marach/Suk versus Knowle/Bhupathi
will now be played on the centre court

Following this finalist Andrei Pavel will play a one
set exhibition against Carinthian Herbert Wiltschnig

The finals Davydenko - Pavel will begin tomorrow at 13.30

The number one of the Hypo Group Tennis International 2006, Nikolay Davydenko from Russia, has reached the finals following a 6:2,6:2 victory over Czech Jiri Novak. In set one Davydenko achieved the first break for 4:2. A moment of shock occured when Davydenko twisted his right ankle at the standings of 5:2 and had to be medically examined. But Davydenko soon was his old self again and broke his opponent once again to win the set by 6:2. In the second set Davydenko took the lead by 3:1 but Novak managed a re-break for 2:3. A preliminary decision happened when Novak once again lost his service for 2:4. After only 68 minutes the titleholder became the first finalist of the Hypo Group Tennis International.

Davydenko was obviously satisfied: " I'm glad that this match only lasted for 1,08 hours. My goal is always to be on the court as short a time as possible, which I did manage today. And I want to gather as many points as I can in order to defend my place among the top ten. I feel confident for the finals, after all I'm the titleholder."

The second semi finals between Romanian Andrei Pavel and Peruvian Luis Horna had to be cancelled due to a severe backache of the latter. Thus Andrei Pavel, who had won the tournament in 2000 when it still was played in St. Pölten, will meet Nikolay Davydenko, who triumphed last year, in the finals.

Now the double with two Austrian participants will be played. Following this finalist Andrei Pavel will play one set on the centre court against Carinthian local hero Herbert Wiltschnig, both for training purposes and the enjoyment of the spectators.

Several VIPs showed up on the centre court today. Following yesterday's appearance of Janica Kostelic and Ion Tiriac, Pörtschach was visited today by Armin Assinger, Steffi Graf, German actor Heio von Stetten, composer and singer Klaus Prünster, as well as Styrian Gunther Gillian, who was featured in TV-series like Tatort and Kommisar Rex.

Tomorrow's single finals will begin at 13.30 on the Werzerarena in Pörtschach, afterwards popular singer Tamee Harrison will perform a show highlight on the centre court, presenting Austria's national anthem as well as several of her hits.

Alberto Rigotti and the cheerleaders will once again provide musical entertainment.

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Jürgen Melzer loses in the quarter finals of the
Hypo Group Tennis International in Pörtschach
to Czech Jiri Novak 7:6 (6), 4:6, 4:6

This means that the semi finals on Friday from 13.30
will be Nikolay Davydenko (RUS) versus Jiri Novak (CZE),
followed by Luis Horna (PER) versus Andrei Pavel (ROM)

The third match on the centre court tomorrow will be
the double Oliver Marach/ Cyril Suk (CZE) versus
Julian Knowle/ Mahesh Bhupathi (IND)

Following Oliver Marach, Jürgen Melzer, the last Austrian at the Hypo Group Tennis International in Pörtschach has dropped out in the quarter finals. Melzer loses to seasoned Czech Jiri Novak after a hard fight and 2:21 hours by 7:6 (6), 4:6, 4:6. There were two breaks during the first set, first Melzer to 2:0 then Novak immediately broke back to 1:2. Finally the set entered the tie breaker where Melzer triumphed 8:6. The second set saw another break by Melzer to 1:0 but eventually Novak equalised to 4:4 by a break. The decisive break to 6:4 then won Novak the second set. The final set saw Melzer taking the lead for 2:1 by a break, immediately followed by Novak's re-break for 2:2. The final decision in Novak's favour was brought on by his break for 6:4. Melzer was obviously disappointed: " This defeat is a bitter one to me, I would have loved to go on in the tournament. Novak's game was very good, my shots were too short which enabled him to send me from one corner of the court to the other. Paradoxically, I was in a good position at 7:6 and 4:2 and even pondered the next match at the tournament. Now I'll be flying to Paris and I hope to fare better there. I'm in form, for the most part I played good tennis here."

Tomorrow's matches will start at 13:10 when titleholder and No. 1, Nikolay Davydenko (RUS), will meet Czech Jiri Novak. This will be followed by the match between Peruvian Luis Horna and Marach-conqueror Andrei Pavel from Romania.

Two Austrians will be playing in the double semi finals. Oliver Marach and his Czech partner Cyril Suk defeated Vincent Spadea (USA), Dmitry Tursunov by 6:4, 2:6, 10:3. Julian Knowle from Vorarlberg and Indian Mahesh Bhupathi won by default against Juan Ignacio Chela (ARG)/ Luis Horna (PER).

The social program for tomorrow, Friday: Presentation of the attendant VIP-guests, followed by " FALCO Live" . Michael Patrik Simoner is the only authorised Falco impersonator. He will perform Falco's greatest hits, among others " Rock me Amadeus" and " Kommissar" .

Afterwards musical entertainment on the centre court will once again be provided by Alberto Rigotti and the cheerleaders.

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Oliver Marach out in the quarter finals of the
Hypo Group Tennis International; he loses
4:6 and 2:6 to Andrei Pavel (ROM)

Pavel's opponent in the semi finals will be
Luis Horna (PER) who beat Juan Monaco 6:3 and 6:4

Jürgen Melzer will be playing his quarter finals match
on the centre court against Jiri Novak

Nikolay Davydenko after 6:2 and 6:1 success over
Potito Starace (ITA) also in the semi finals

Janica Kostelic visited Pörtschach today
as guest of honour of the Hypo Group

The end for Oliver Marach at the Hypo Group Tennis International came in the quarter finals. The Styrian lost 4:6 and 2:6 to Romanian Andrei Pavel. In the first set Marach lost his service at 1:2. At 4:5 Marach couldn't take advantage of 0:40 during Pavel's service and Pavel thus won the first set by 6:4. During the break between sets Marach had his left ankle joint medically treated, seemed somewhat depressed afterwards and and immediately lost his first service to 0:1. Following a second break for 4:1 the match was decided and Pavel triumphed by 6:4 and 6:2 after 1:28 hours.

" Unfortunately I injured my right foot already during the first game, I couldn't really jump up which especially hurt my service. I knew right from the beginning that it would be very tough. My goal had been to tire him out but that didn't work out by far. Except for the service, which had been better hitherto, I was rather content with my game. I tried everything at the beginning of the set but the quick break destroyed my hopes. After the match Pavel apologised and said that today definitely wasn't my day. Pavel gave a very strong performance. Still, the tournament was very positive for me. Next I'll be playing in Paris and I hope for a good draw. I'll be playing the double today despite my injured foot since my partner only came to Pörtschach for this" , explained the rather disappointed Styrian Marach.

Andrei Pavel's opponent in the semi finals will be Luis Horna from Peru, who didn't have any problems beating Juan Monaco (ARG) clearly by 6:3 and 6:4.

Austria's number one, Jürgen Melzer, will be playing today for the semi finals, his opponent will be Jiri Novak (CZE).

Nikolay Davydenko has also reached the semi finals. The titleholder from Russia effortlessly beat Italian Potito Starace 6:2 and 6: 1. The number one will now face either Melzer or Novak in the semi finals.

Invited by Hypo Alpe Adria Group Janica Kostelic, currently the best female Alpine skier in the world, visited the tournament. The winner of the overall Worlc Cup was deeply impressed by the performances of the tennis players.

Weather forecast for Friday: Sunny and dry. Only several high, thin clouds will be passing through. 25 degrees maximum.

The social program for tomorrow, Friday: Presentation of the attendant VIP-guests, followed by " FALCO Live" . Michael Patrik Simoner is the only authorised Falco impersonator. He will perform Falco's greatest hits, among others " Rock me Amadeus" and " Kommissar" .

Afterwards musical entertainment on the centre court will once again be provided by Alberto Rigotti and the cheerleaders.

There is also an exciting lottery in store for the fans of the Hypo Group Tennis International. Main prize is a brandnew VW Fox, tickets are available at the booth of VW. The lottery drawing of the brandnew VW Fox will take place on Saturday.

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Austrian Jürgen Melzer celebrated a clear victory
by 6:0, 1:1 over Frenchman Richard Gasquet
and reached the quarter finals of the Hypo
Group Tennis International as second Austrian

The No. 1 of the tournament, Nikolay Davydenko,
beat Spaniard Ruben Ramirez Hidalgo in the
round of the last eight clearly by 6:2, 6:4

Polito Starace (ITA) wins 4:6,6:4,6:1 over
Spaniard Nicolas Almagro after a hard fight

Clear 6:1,6:1 success of Peruvian Luis
Horna over Italian Andreas Seppi

His next opponent will be Juan Monaco (ARG)
He beat Luxemburger Gilles Muller 6:2,6:0

Two Austrians have already reached the quarter finals of the Hypo Group Tennis International on the Werzer tennis facilities in Pörtschach. Beside Oliver Marach, who will be playing at 15.00, Jürgen Melzer won the first set against Frenchman Richard Gasquet in a record time of only 18 minutes clearly by 6:0. Frenchman Gasquet subsequently complained of pain in the elbow of his right arm and finally had to retire prematurely at 1:1 in the second set. Melzer, who will be playing once again today, was not unhappy about the short time on the court: " I believe it was the shortest match of my career. I played very well, had a good feeling and have built up a lot of self-confidence for the second match today."

The No. 1 of the tournament, Nikolay Davydenko from Russia, also didn't face any grave problems. He celebrated a clear 6:2, 6:4 victory over Spaniard Ruben Ramirez Hidalgo.

Prior to Melzer's match the Dancing Stars had appeared on the centre court. Edi Finger jun. Hans Georg Heinke, Nicole Beutler, Marika Lichter and the professional dancers made sure of good vibes and entertained an enthusiastic crowd.

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Oliver Marach has reached the quarter finals of the
Hypo Group Tennis International in Pörtschach.
He beat Frenchman Simon Gilles 7:6 (3), 6:1

Oliver Marach's opponent in the quarter finals
tomorrow from 15.00 Uhr will be Andrei Pavel (ROM)
who won over Marcos Daniel by 7:5 and 6:0

The remainder of today's schedule fell victim
to the rain, therefore tomorrow will be a field day

From 10,30 No. 1 Nikolay Davydenko (RUS)
will play Ruben Ramirez Hidalgo (ESP)

The Dancing Stars will entertain with their
performance at apprx. 12,00 on the centre court

From 13.00 Jürgen Melzer versus
Richard Gasquet (FRA)

Austrian Oliver Marach has reached the quarter finals of the Hypo Group Tennis International 2006 in Pörtschach. The Styrian beat Frenchman Gilles Simon, No. 48 in the ATP ranking, 7:6 (3) and 6:1. During the first set at 5:6 from Marach's perspective, the match had to be adjourned for about two and a half hours. Following this, Oliver Marach played great tennis, superiorly winning the tie-breaker 6:3, and never leaving his opponent a chance in set two: " My coach advised me on some tactical changes during the rain break. I should try to play more through the middle and then play corrseponding angles at decisive points. It is a great feeling to be in the quarter finals here at my home tournament. And it is further motivation to have beaten a top 50 player. My next opponent, Andrei Pavel, is supposed to be a 'terror of the Austrians', but I hope to beat him anyway."

All remaining matches could not be played today due to the rain. This will cause a rather tight schedule for tomorrow, Friday, which will already start at 10.30 on the centre court.

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Rain delay at Hypo Group International

Oliver Marach vs. Gilles Simon 5:6

To be continued as soon as rain has passed off

All matches could be started already

Oliver Marach currently plays Gilles Simon on centre court

Start of plays postponed due to rain

Weather forecast better for late afternoon

As soon as the rain passes off, the matches will start

The No.1 of the Hypo Tennis Group International,
Nikolay Davydenko (RUS) secures a clear victory by
6:3, 6:0 in his first round match versus Tomas Zib (CZE)

Following a 7:5 and 6:4 success over Torsten Popp,
Gilles Simon will be next opponent of Oliver Marach

Lleyton Hewitt's injury was examined in the afternoon
at the private hospital of ALTIS in Villach
by magnetic resonance imaging

Tomorrow, Wednesday, is field day with
Oliver Marach - Gilles Simon from 13.00, followed by
Jürgen Melzer - Richard Gasquet and Nikolay
Davydenko versus Lapentti or Ramirez Hidalgo

Following the matches on the centre court,
the Dancing Stars will visit Pörtschach

It was a clear first round victory by 6:3, 6:0 for Russian Nikolay Davydenko, the No. 1 of the Hypo Group Tennis International, against Czech Tomas Zib. While the first set saw some good rallies, Davydenko really got into gear during set two and blew the No. 106 off the court by 6:0: " At first I thought it would be an easy win but then things got a little bit tougher and I really had to fight. My goal is to keep the matches short here in Pörtschach so as not to tire myself out. This worked fine in the second set, the whole match only lasted 60 minutes."

Superstar Lleyton Hewitt's injury was naturally the talk of the town today in Pörtschach. The Australian had seriously twisted his right ankle during yesterday's match against Brazilian Marcos Daniel. Magnetic resonance imaging, performed by university lecturer Dr. Georg Lajtai today in the ALTIS private hospital in Villach, brought the following result. The injury consists of a severe overexpansion of the outer ligament of the right ankle. The injury causes severe pain and it is as yet uncertain whether the Australian will be able to participate in the French Open in Paris.

Tomorrow will be field day in Pörtschach. This concerns not only the sportive side of the event but also the social program of the tournament that will follow the matches.

Timetable of matches on Wednesday:

13,00 Oliver Marach (AUT) - Gilles Simon (FRA)
followed by: Jürgen Melzer (AUT) - Richard Gasquet (FRA)
Nikolay Davydenko (RUS) - Nikolas Lapentti or Ramirez Hidalgo

The rest of the timetable will be announced later on.

Social program for tomorrow, Wednesday:

The participants of Dancing Stars will visit Pörtschach together with Alberto Rigotti, who will provide vibes and music. The winners of the two seasons, Marika Lichter and Manuel Ortega, will be present, as well as Andi Goldberger, Simone Stelzer, Nicole Beutler, Hans Georg Heinke, Gerda Rogers and Edi Finger jun., who will not only dance but also present the event. The professional dancers will also be part of the show, of course. Visitors have the singular opportunity to dance with their "star" by purchasing a dancing card for € 50.-. The revenue will benefit the Carinthian Tennis Youth.

In the evening Governor Dr. Jörg Haider will invite to a gala reception in the VIP-section, where Franco Adolfo will provide the musical entertainment.

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Oliver Marach reaches round of the last eight
at Hypo Group Tennis International following a
6:4 and 6:3 victory over Vincent Spadea (USA)

Andrea Seppi (ITA) wins over Lukas Dlouhy (CZE)
6:3, 6:4, Luis Horna beats Wesley Moodie 7:6(3), 6:3

Number one Nikolay Davydenko is currently playing
his first match against Tomas Zib (CZE)

Following Jürgen Melzer, Oliver Marach is the second Austrian to reach the round of the last eight at the Hypo Group Tennis International. The Styrian beat US-American Vincent Spadea 6:4 and 6:3 on the centre court. One break during set one for 4:3 was enough for Marach to win the set. In set two Spadea initially took the lead by 2:0 but Marrach fought back immediately and came up to 2:2. The seventh game of the second set proved to be decisive, when Marrach broke the American once again for 4:3. A further break secured Marach's success by 6:4 and 6:3: "I'm naturally very happy to have reached the next round here in Pörtschach. I didn't feel any pressure today and that payed off. Prior to my victory in Rome, when I was still ranked only No. 112, I always felt a lot of pressure - which is completely gone since I reached the top hundred. My service worked perfectly today, as did my whole game and I never felt insecure. But should I have to play Simon I'll have to get better. The Frenchman is currently the best young player on the tour."

Oliver Marach's next opponent will be the winner of the currently played match between Frenchman Gilles Simon and German Torsten Popp.

Also currently playing is the number one of the tournament, Nikolay Davydenko (RUS). The title holder is playing his first match on the centre court against Czech Tomas Zib.

Another match in the round of the last eight is already fixed. Following a 6:3 and 6:4 victory over Lukas Dlouhy (CZE), Andreas Seppi (ITA) will meet Luis Horna (PER), who beat Wesley Moodie (RSA) by 7:6 (3) and 6:3.

Superstar Lleyton Hewitt, who had twisted his ankle during his defeat, has been medically examined today. His coach Roger Rasheed provided some information during a press meeting in front of the Schlosshotel Velden: "At the moment we'll have to wait for the outcome of the examinations. We do plan to compete in Paris but if Lleyton doesn't feel 100 percent fit he will have to cancel his participation in the French Open. Lleyton felt all right with his game prior to the injury, even though it wasn't a brilliant performance. Unfortunately then the accident happened, but that's sport."

In the context of the Hypo Group Tennis International, Pacific bracelets can be purchased for two Euro each at the booth of the Kärnter Tennisverband (Carinthian Tennis Organisation). The sales revenue will benefit the youth work and advancement of young talents of the Carinthian Tennis Organisation. Every journalist can get one Pacific friendship bracelet and a present for free at the booth of the Carinthian Tennis Organisation.

There is also an exciting lottery in store for the fans of the Hypo Group Tennis International. Main prize is a brandnew VW Fox, tickets are available at the booth of VW. The lottery drawing of the brandnew VW Fox will take place on Saturday.

Social program for tomorrow, Wednesday:
The participants of Dancing Stars will visit Pörtschach together with Alberto Rigotti, who will provide vibes and music. The winners of the two seasons, Marika Lichter and Manuel Ortega, will be present, as well as Andi Goldberger, Simone Stelzer, Nicole Beutler, Hans Georg Heinke, Gerda Rogers and Edi Finger jun., who will not only dance but also present the event. The professional dancers will also be part of the show, of course. Visitors have the singular opportunity to dance with their "star" by purchasing a dancing card for € 50.-. The revenue will benefit the Carinthian Tennis Youth.
In the evening Governor Dr. Jörg Haider will invite to a gala reception in the VIP-section, where Franco Adolfo will provide the musical entertainment.

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Superstar Lleyton Hewitt defeated at Hypo Group
Tennis International. He loses 6:3, 3:6 and 6:7 (3)
to Brasilianer Marcos Daniel
The Australian twisted his ankle close to the end of the tie-break

Potito Starace (ITA), Nicolas Almagro (ESP),
Andrei Pavel und Richard Gasquet (FRA)
have reached the round of the last eight,
the latter being Jürgen Melzer’s next opponent

Tomorrow Austrian Oliver Marrach will meet
Vincent Spadea (USA) on the centre court, starting at 13:10

Afterwards No. 1 Nikolay Davydenko (RUS)
will meet Tomas Zib (CZE) and
Juan Monaco (ARG) – Dmitry Tursunov (RUS)

In the third match on the centre court Brazilian Marcos Daniel, ranked No. 89, faced top star Lleyton Hewitt. The first set started with a break for 2:1 by Daniel but Hewitt immediately managed a re-break. The Australian’s break for 4:2 was decisive and Hewitt won the set 6:3. The favourite started set two in great style and took the lead by a break for 2:1. But Daniel fought his way back to 2:2 and by breaking Hewitt once again for 5:3 he took the set by 6:3. The decision in the third set seemed to come early on. Daniel broke Hewitt twice, thereby leading 4:0 but the Australian showed his fighting spirit and fought his way back to 4:4. A tie-break finally had to decide the match. When the Brazilian lead 5:3 Hewitt twisted his ankle and lay on the clay, his face distorted with pain. Following an intermission, during which the Australian’s ankle was taped, he hobbled back onto the court to serve. But one double fault, followed by an out ball lead to his defeat by 6:7 (3) in the third set.

Hewitt was naturally shocked after his defeat: “I’m in a lot of pain and can’t really comment on it right now. Only the next days will show how serious it is.“

Daniel was obviously overjoyed: ”I’m extremely happy, especially since I hadn’t played in a month. When Hewitt came back to 4:4 in the third I became somewhat nervous but then my game got better again. Hewitt’s injury didn’t trip me up.“

Daniel’s next opponent will be Romanian Andrei Pavel, who beat Argentinian Carlos Berlocq 7:5 and 6:2.

Young Frenchman Richard Gasquet has also reached the round of the last eight. The 18-year-old lucky loser, who only had entered the main competition thanks to the w.o. of Rainer Schüttler, put up a great fight against Slovak Dominik Hrbaty and finally won by 6:0, 4:6 and 6:3. Therefore the Frenchman will be Jürgen Melzer’s next opponent.

Potito Starace, Nicolas Almagro and Andrei Pavel are in the round of the last eight, as well. The Italian won over Spaniard Alberto Martin by 7:5 and 7:6 (5). Spaniard Almagro beat Belgian Christophe Rochus in two straight sets 6:3 and 6:4.

Weather forecast for tomorrow, Tuesday: It will remain sunny and even warmer. Heap clouds in the afternoon but still dry. Rain and thunderstorms due to a Mediterranean disturbance are only expected during the night of Wednesday.
During the afternoon south-west winds will increase (up to 20 km/h)
27 degrees maximum.

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On his 25th birthday Jürgen Melzer wins
All-Austrian duel against Stefan Koubek 6:4 and 7:5

Jiri Novak (CZE) also reached round 2,
winning 6:3 and 6:3 Erfolg over Bjorn Phau (GER),
as did Juan Ignacio Chela (ARG) by beating
Yeu-Tzuoo Wang (TPE) 6:3, 6:1

Lucky loser Richard Gasquet (FRA) replaced
Rainer Schüttler (GER), who has fallen ill, and played
Dominik Hrbaty (SVK) on the centre court,
winning 6:0, 4:6 and 6:3

In the third match on the centre court superstar
Lleyton Hewitt will meet Marcos Daniel (BRA)

On his 25th birthday, Austria's number one, Jürgen Melzer, was the first player to reach the round of the last eight at the Hypo Group International. He beat Stefan Koubek 6:4 and 6:4. During the first set it seemed to be smooth running for Melzer, when he led already by 4:1 following two breaks. But Koubek managed a re-break to 2:4, yet still lost the set 4:6. Melzer opened set two with a break for 1:0. But Stefan Koubek capitulate and finally achieved a re-break for 4:4. Following another break by Jürgen Melzer, the Lower Austrian served for the match but lost his service in turn. After breaking Koubek for the fifth time for 6:5 Melzer finally took the match 6:4 and 7:5:

„It was a typical all-Austrian duel. Neither of us was relaxed. That’s why I couldn’t take advantage of a clear lead during the first set and almost the same thing happened in the second set. Whoever my next opponent will be, he will not be easy to play. I will definitely have to do better then.“

Stefan Koubek was deeply disappointed following his defeat: „I tried everything but it wasn’t enough. I came back several times but my service wasn’t constant enough today. Jürgen has had more success recently, therefore he also was more self-confident.“

Jürgen Melzer’s next opponent will be Richard Gasquet (FRA) who beat third-seeded Dominik Hrbaty (SVK) 6:0, 4:6, 6:3.

Jiri Novak and Juan Ignacio Chela also reached the round of the last eight. Novak beat German Bjorn Phau 6:3 and 6:3. It was equally smooth sailing for Chela who won 6:3 and 6:1 over Yeu-Tzuoo Wang (TPE)

Weather forecast for tomorrow, Tuesday: It will remain sunny and even warmer. Heap clouds in the afternoon but still dry. Rain and thunderstorms due to a Mediterranean disturbance are only expected during the night of Wednesday.
During the afternoon south-west winds will increase (up to 20 km/h)
27 degrees maximum.

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Singles of main competition in Pörtschach CANCELLED for today

Oliver Marach has to wait for his match versus
Vincent Spadea, Christophe Rochus versus
Nicolas Almagro also postponed

Tomorrow "Super-Monday"in Pörtschach with
all-Austrian duel Jürgen Melzer - Stefan Koubek
And first round match of superstar Lleyton Hewitt

Hewitt is looking forward to his first match
He wants to give 100% and win the tournament

The beginning of the main competition of the Hypo Group Tennis International had to be adjourned until tomorrow because of rain in Pörtschach. The rain set in at noon in Pörtschach and prevented the beginning of the first match on centre court, Oliver Marach versus Vincent Spadea. Since the weather forecast for the afternoon hadn't been promising, both singles on the centre court, Oliver Marach versus Vincent Spadea and Christophe Rochus - Nicolas Almagro were cancelled. The double Lleyton Hewitt plus partner Roger Rasheed against Juan Ignacio Chela/Luis Horna was not cancelled and will hopefully be played early this evening.

Tomorrow will offer two real highlights. The "Super-Monday"on the centre court will see the all-Austrian duel Jürgen Melzer versus Stefan Koubek, as well as Lleyton Hewitt's first round match against Brazilian Marcos Daniel. The exact timetable for tomorrow will be announced in the evening.

At noon, superstar Lleyton Hewitt was quite enthused during the press conference in spite of the rain: "The facilities are beautiful. I've never played a tournament in Austria before but I'm sure that there is no better place than here. I'm taking this tournament very seriously and definitely want to triumph here. It is the perfect preparation for the French Open in Paris. It will be the toughest Grand Slam tournament of the season. But right now I want to try and win as many matches as possible here. My first opponent, Brazilian Marcos Daniel, will not be easy to beat, for he plays very good tennis on clay. I feel physically very well again after my injury and want to give 100%."

Scheduled ORF broadcasts for tomorrow:

ORF1 13,15 – 15,40
OSP 13,15 – 18,00
ORF2 00,20 – 01,20

The ORF won't be alone in broadcasting the Hypo Group Tennis International live, there will be live transmissions to many other countries. Among others, to the Ukraine (First Sport Ukraine), Denmark (Viasat Sport 1), Macedonia (Sport 4 Macedonia), Slovakia (PRVA), Slovenia and Friaul (RTV Koper Capodistria) and to the Scandinavian and Baltic area (RTV Koper Capodistria).

Weather forecast for Monday: Mainly sunny and warm. 27 degrees maximum. No rain. South-west wind 5-10 km/h, in the afternoon up to 20 km/h
Forecast for Tuesday: Sunny and consistently warm. Heap clouds during the afternoon and thunder-storms at night. 27 degrees maximum.

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Oliver Marach will open the Hypo Group Tennis International
against US-American Vincent Spadea
on the centre court tomorrow, beginning from 13.30

Afterwards Christophe Rochus (BEL) will play
Nicolas Almagro (ESP), thereafter, beginning not before 17.00, the first entry of superstar Lleyton Hewitt in double

From an Austrian point of view the main competition of the Hypo Group Tennis International will start with a highlight tomorrow morning. Oliver Marach, currently second-best Austrian in the ATP ranking, will meet US-American Vincent Spadea: "I have never played him, therefore I don't know him too well. But my coach told me about some of his strengths and weaknesses. I'll try to make him run and play good angles. I'm really looking forward to open the tournament on the centre court tomorrow ".

Following this match Belgian Christophe Rochus will play Spaniard Nicolas Almagro. Rochus, who only lost to Austrian Jürgen Melzer in the semi-finals last year, obviously wants to defend as many points as possible this year. Almagro already was victorius at the tournament in Valencia this year. This match will also be the first duel between Almagro and Rochus on the ATP tour.

Afterwards, beginning not before 17.00, the first entry of Lleyton Hewitt together with his coach and double partner Rasheed versus Chela / Horna.

Today most players were scheduled for training units. Stefan Koubek practised on court with superstar Lleyton Hewitt for almost two hours on the facilities of the Schlosshotel Leonstein. Jürgen Melzer completed his first training in Pörtschach.

Two Austrians have already dropped out in the qualification. Herbert Wiltschnig lost to Czech Jaroslav Pospisil in two straight sets, as did Philipp Oswald to Italian Leonardo Azzaro. The remaining Austrians are currently still playing.

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All-Austrian duel in first round of
Hypo Group Tennis International in Pörtschach
Jürgen Melzer versus Stefan Koubek

Oliver Marach challenges US-player Vincent
Spadea, superstar Lleyton Hewitt meets Marcos
Daniel (BRA), No 1 Nikolay Davydenko
plays Czech Tomas Zib

Five Austrians will play qualification,
which started this morning at 9.30

The draw, which was carried out this morning at 10.00 in the centre court by Mayor Mag. Franz Arnold, will offer spectators a hot match already in round one. In an all-Austrian duel the nation's number one, Jürgen Melzer, will meet Carinthian local hero Stefan Koubek.

Both have never played each other on the ATP tour but did meet in a preliminary tournament in Houston where Jürgen Melzer kept the upper hand: "It is still not going to be an easy job. I may have beaten Stefan a few weeks ago but here in Carinthia it will be much harder. I'm looking forward to the duel in any case."Koubek isn't very happy about the draw: "Looking at recent results it is evident that Jürgen is the favourite. Therefore it is neither a very lucky draw for me nor for the organisers. At least there will be one Austrian in the round of the last eight.".

Oliver Marrach, third Austrian in the main draw, faces a somewhat more soluble challenge. The Styrian will play Vincent Spadea, his first meeting with the US-American on the ATP tour. Nikolay Davydenko, number one of the tournament, and superstar Lleyton Hewitt, drew rather easy tasks. The titleholder from Russia will play Czech Tomas Zib in round one. Head-to-head record: 3:1 for Davydenko. Hewitt will face Brazilian Marcos Daniel for the first time in his career.

The social program for tomorrow, Sunday, May 21, 2006:
ABBA-Mania, From "Waterloo"to "Money, Money"this group will perform ABBA's greatest hits. The sound of the Seventies is back and will enthuse the audience.
Afterwards the Players Party will commence on the Monte Carlo square in Pörtschach

Weather forecast for tomorrow, Sunday: Partly overcast in the morning up until noon with sunny intervals. In the afternoon there is a slight chance for showers. Rainfall probability 30%. Peak temperatures up to 21 degrees Celsius.

Forecast for Monday: Foehn winds, sunny and warm. 27 degrees Celsius maximum.

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Lleyton Hewitt is enthusiastic after his first training at

Werzer Arena in Pörtschach

Stefan Koubek and Oliver Marach have completed their

first training session togehter

The drawing takes place on Saturday 10am

together with tapping the first barrel of beer

Qualification starts already at 9am

After his arrival in Pörtschach yesterday, the superstar of Hypo Group Tennis International Lleyton Hewitt has already started his training on the centre court. After about 100 minutes he brim over with enthusiasm: "The ambiance is amazing, it's a pity that I didn't arrive earlier. I feel good and I'm looking forward to the tournament."For tomorrow Lleyton Hewitt has planned a training session with Stefan Koubek.

Koubek also completed his first training togehter with Oliver Marach. Both Austrians obtained Wild Cards for the tournament, their reaction after the training was quite different. Oliver Marach was very satisfied: "After one week of recreation I had a perfect training session and feel very good. I'm looking forward to the tournament."Whereas Stefan Koubek was not happy with his performance: "Unfortunately I couldn't reach my expected level so far, although I'm working hard."

Austrian number one, Jürgen Melzer prepares himself for the tournament at home. He is expected to arrive in Pörtschach tomorrow noon. Number one of the tournament, titleholder Nikolay Davydenko ist still playing very successful at the Masters in Hamburg. After beating Jarkko Nieminen (FIN) in two sets, his next opponent is Mario Ancic (CRO) at quarter final.

Tomorrow at 10am the drawing for the Hypo Group Tennis International takes place at Werzer Arena. At the same time a Zipfer beer barrel will be tapped. Qualification starts already at 9am.

Weather forecast for Saturday: unsettled with improvement during the day. Likelihood of rain 25%. Max. Temperature: 22°C.

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Leafing through the annals of tennis history in Austria one will time and again encounter the name of Pörtschach in combination with the beautiful ambience of the Wörthersee and the Werzer Arena.

The first tournament in Pörtschach already took place in 1899 and the Lawn Tennis Club Pörtschach was founded on 1900. It was counted among the most elegant and exclusive ones in Austria for tennis, back when the balls where still white. Following World War II Pörtschach became a Mecca of tennis. Illustrious names like the ones of 72-year-old Australian Ken Rosewall or his compatriot Rod Laver, 68 today, together with 73-year-old Neale Fraser, Wimbledon and US-Open champion in 1960, represented absolute world class tennis in Pörtschach. The International Championships of Austria were a fixed part of the world’s elite up to the year 1976. Following this, athletes – and true Carinthians – like Hans Kary, Norbert Klatil, Horst Skoff and Alexander Antonitsch successfully represented their country in top tennis.

This year tennis sport has come full circle in Carinthia. Lleyton Hewitt also will compete as Wimbledon and US-Open champion in the tennis metropolis at the Wörthersee. He will be challenged by several top class players like, for instance, Nikolay Davidenko. And it is gratifying to note that a number of competitors in Pörtschach are currently on their way up in the ranking. French Gilles Simon took the biggest leap of 24 places up. He will, like Spaniard Nicolas Almagro (20 places) and Romanian Andrei Pavel (4 places), be playing qualification in Pörtschach.

And Dominik Hrbaty (SVK), Igor Andreev (RUS), Juan Ignacio Chela (ARG), Paul Goldstein and Vincent Spadea (both USA), as well as Gilles Muller (LUX) have also improved their ranking recently.

A fact that holds true for Jürgen Melzer, too. After having reached the finals in Houston he moved up from 69 to 72 and reached the round of the last eight in Casablanca this week, at least.

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The Hypo Group Tennis International 2006 will commence in just over one month. This 380.000 Dollar ATP-Tournament will be held already for the thirteenth time this year. But, following St. Pölten, it is a first for the local Tennis Mecca Pörtschach.

Heading the entry list are the event’s two top stars, Wimbledon and US Open Champion Lleyton Hewitt and titleholder Nikolay Davydenko, currently ranked No. 6 in the world. But there are other prominent names of international tennis to be found in the Official Player Acceptance List recently released by the ATP. The Cut Off at 76 is more than just satisfactory and says a lot about the sportive rating of the traditional tournament.

German Rainer Schüttler is one of the best known names in the entry list. In 2004 he ranked No. 5 in the world and will try to get back in form in the Wörthersee-metropolis. He had already reached the semi-finals in Dubai this year. Slovak Dominik Hrbaty has already competed several times in the tournament. No. 12 in the world two years ago, he reached the semi-finals this year in Adelaide and the last sixteen at the Australian Open. Belgian Christophe Rochus is another regular of the tournament. The clay specialist was in the finals of Rotterdam this year and reached the round of the last sixteen at the Masters in Miami. Russian Igor Andreev already had two career-highlights this year – it made headlines when he reached the finals in Sydney. Furthermore he reached the quarter finals at the Masters Series Tournament in Indian Wells. Spaniard Alberto Martin also will arrive in Carinthia with good references. He has reached the finals in both Costa do Sauipe and Sunrise this year, being defeated by Dmitry Tursunov in the latter. The Russian will also be competing in Pörtschach. He is in top form. Besides his triumph in Sunrise he also reached the quarter finals in Doha, Sydney and Memphis this year.

Another player to arrive in Carinthia with a tournament victory to his account is Peruvian Luis Horna. In the finals of Acapulco he defeated Argentinian Juan Ignacio Chela, who has sworn to take revenge at the Wörthersee. Another player to compete will be the indestructible US-American Vincent Spadea. The right hander ranked No. 18 last year and has reached the semi-finals in San Jose and Delray Beach this year.

The only seeded player from Austria in the main draw of the Hypo Group Tennis International is Jürgen Melzer. Last year he reached the finals where he was defeated in three sets by Nikolay Davydenko. This year he recently reached second round in Houston after a long dry spell. There is hope that this success may give him enough self-confidence for a good performance in Pörtschach.

Tournament Manager Ronnie Leitgeb is very satisfied with Cut Off 76. As far as the Wild Cards go he said: “The final decision will have to wait for a while. But I do have set my eyes on local hero Stefan Koubek and Oliver Marrach.”

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