Sampras wins clash of the titans

Pete Sampras recovered from a set down to beat fellow retired American Andre Agassi in three sets in an exhibition match in Macau yesterday in the first meeting between the two since the 2002 US Open final.

The latest chapter of one of the greatest rivalries in tennis did not reach the same heights as their previous epic encounters, which included five grand slam finals, as Sampras came through 3-6 6-3 10-8 in just over an hour.

Sampras said: "Andre just hits the ball so cleanly even after being retired for three years. It was a pleasure playing him, he is a great player with a great return of serve." Agassi was also pleased.

"It brought back a lot of memories for me. I haven't been playing a terrible amount but when you see Pete it all comes back to you pretty quickly," Agassi said.