Sampras holds court at home to win HSBC Tennis Cup

Written by: Staff on 15th October 2011

Sampras holds court at home to win HSBC Tennis Cup

US tennis star Pete Sampras reacts during an exhibition match against former world number one Marat Safin of Russia to inaugurate the new Tennis China Open center court in Beijing, China, 30 September 2011. EPA/DIEGO AZUBEL |

Southern California native Pete Sampras, playing in front of a slew of family and friends, held off long time rival Andre Agassi 8-6 to capture the HSBC Tennis Cup presented by CTCA, at the Staples Center Friday night in Los Angeles. It was his fifth victory in six appearances so far this season, and third consecutive, as Sampras took a commanding lead in the Champions Series points standings. He now leads Michael Chang by 1000 points with just four of the 12 events remaining.

The Hollywood crowd was treated to a rematch of a rivalry that started over 30 years ago, and still lasts today. “It’s been really great getting to know Pete even better over the past several weeks here on the Champions Series Tour,” Agassi said, moments after the loss tonight. “It’s been an opportunity to really embrace what we’ve meant to one another’s careers.”

“Andre has always been a class guy, and is so gracious in his losses as well as his victories,” said Sampras. “It was nice tonight to be out here on the court at the Staples Center and to play with so much support behind me.”

Sampras advanced to the final with a hard fought 7-6 (3) semifinal victory over Jim Courier, closing out the match with a thumping forehanded return winner. Agassi opened the evening’s action with a 6-3 semifinal win over fan favorite John McEnroe.

Agassi’s semifinal win coupled with Courier’s loss moved both players into a tie for third place in the standings. Only the top 3 finishers at the end of the 2011 Champions Series will share the one million dollar bonus pool, and with four events remaining, Chang, Courier and Agassi are separated by only 100 points.

The Champions Series moves to Agassi’s hometown and the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas Saturday night for the CTCA Championships. Tickets and unique interactive VIP fan experiences for the 2011 Champions Series are on sale to the general public and start at $35. Tickets are available at venue box offices, all Ticketmaster locations, 202-397-SEAT or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

The 2011 Champions Series is a competitive tennis circuit featuring legendary tennis icons and world-renowned champions. The 12-city tour of one-night tournaments is being played in major U.S. arenas from September 22 – October 22.

TONIGHT’S SCORES

Semifinal 1: Agassi def. McEnroe, 6-3

Semifinal 2: Sampras def. Courier, 7-6 (3)

Final: Sampras def. Agassi, 8-6

Champions Series Standings                       Points (thru 8 events)

1  Sampras                                                          2100

2  Chang                                                               1100

3  Agassi                                                               1000

Courier                                                             1000

5  Martin                                                              400

6  Connors                                                           200
McEnroe                                                          200

8  Lendl                                                                 100

Wilander                                                          100