Pete Sampras underlined his determination to end the year as world number one for a record sixth consecutive time by outclassing Czech Bhodan Ulihrach to reach the quarter-finals of the Eurocard Open yesterday.
Sampras, who needed to move past the third round to make sure of still being the number one on Monday, cruised to a straightforward 6-3 6-3 victory over the unseeded Ulihrach.
World number two Marcelo Rios beat Dutchman Jan Siemerink 6-2, retired, and thirdplaced Australian Patrick Rafter was beaten by Greg Rusedski 7-6 (7-4), 6-7 (5-7), 6-4.
Sampras goes on to meet fellow American Jan-Michael Gambill, who won two tie-breaks to oust Briton Tim Henman 7-6, 1-6, 7-6 on an outside court.
The 5,000 fans in the Stuttgart hall were hoping for another sensation from Boris Becker, who had delighted them by dumping out French Open champion Carlos Moya in the previous round.
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