Massu Wins, Nalbandian Continues March Toward Masters at Vienna

Nalbadian, who famously shouted "You're a disgrace!" at Houston Masters Cup promoter Jim "Mattress Mac" McIngvale when the American vociferously supported the American players over the Europeans/South Americans at last year's year-end championship, is looking to again renew his rivalry with Mattress Mac at the 2005 Masters Cup by qualifying for a Top 8 berth.

"I know I have to keep working," Nalbandian said. "I know I have to try to play more matches to get the confidence back...I hope my confidence will come back."

No. 2 seed Nicolas "The Golden Child" Massu was also a winner Tuesday (d. Kucera in three), as were un-seeds Luis "Me So" Horna (d. Ferrer), 2001 champ Tommy Haas (d. Moodie), Austrian Stefan Koubek (d. A.Martin), and Italian Davide Sanguinetti (d. Zabaleta).

"This is my first win here in four years," Massu said. "I had real difficult matches in the past."

On court Wednesday are Costa vs. (5) Paradorn "The Thai Fighter" Srichaphan, Dent vs. (WC) Gruber, Jurgen "Tuna" Melzer vs. (3) Schuettler, (LL) Glenn "I.C." Weiner vs. (WC) Peya, and a veteran battle in Enqvist vs. Bohdan "I Didn't Do It" Ulihrach.