MELBOURNE: Andre Agassi pummelled Wimbledon champion Roger Federer 6-2, 6-4 yesterday, installing himself as the pre-tournament favourite of the fans and pundits to retain his Australian Open crown.

While Federer is the favourite of the bookmakers ahead of Monday's opening of the season's first Grand Slam, Agassi's overwhelming victory left few who witnessed the one-sided Kooyong International match in much doubt as to who was in the better form.

"Today we had a little less wind, it was pretty calm,'' Agassi told reporters after creating his own cyclone on centre court.

"You know, you have to take your chances against Roger because he has such a feel for the game and has such great weapons.

"You can't hope for better preparation than this; to play the world's best players coming into the first Grand Slam of the year.''

It took the American only 22 minutes to snatch the opening set under a bright Melbourne sun as world No 2 Federer struggled to contain the 33-year-old's pace.

Smashing his backhand all over the court, Agassi broke Federer to love in the first game of the second set and the Swiss walked back to his chair looking downtrodden and disillusioned.

The second set was a little closer, but Agassi never looked like letting it escape from his grip.

The victory was a great boost to his confidence, he said.

"I have been pretty fortunate the way things have gone down here in the past,'' he said. "Coming out here and winning these matches does a lot for your confidence.

"I have come into a lot of grand slams not feeling right but then getting my range...other times I have felt great.

"You never know when you are going to need it...you just have to make sure it is there when you do.''

Aussie Open champion in 2002, Thomas Johansson's preparations took a knock when he was thrashed 6-4, 6-2 by Sebastien Grosjean.

Swede Johansson, who missed nearly all of last year because of injury, took a set off Federer on Wednesday but 24 hours later was disappointing against the French baseliner.

Robby Ginepri finished off play on day two, beating fellow American Taylor Dent 7-5, 6-1.

Injury scare

Belgian Justine Henin-Hardenne and Lindsay Davenport of the United States both survived injury scares to win their quarter-final matches at the Sydney International yesterday.

Henin-Hardenne sprained her ankle and needed treatment for blisters before beating American Chanda Rubin 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 while Davenport strained a shoulder muscle during her 6-3, 6-4 victory over Russia's Elena Dementieva.

Both Davenport and Henin-Hardenne said their injuries were not serious and they expected to line up against each other in today's semi-finals.

Amelie Mauresmo of France also booked her place in the last four with a 6-4, 7-6 win over Russia's Anastasia Myskina. She will play Francesca Schiavone today after the Italian beat Anna Smashnova-Pistolesi of Israel 6-2, 6-2.

Two-time champion Lleyton Hewitt reached the semi-finals with a 6-1, 4-6, 6-3 win over Frenchman Arnaud Clement.

Carlos Moya continued his unbeaten start to 2004 with a 6-1, 6-2 victory over fellow Spaniard Tommy Robredo, and faces veteran South African Wayne Ferreira who beat Australian Todd Reid 6-4, 6-4.

(China Daily 01/16/2004 page16)