TENNIS ROUNDUP : Sampras Defeats Agassi

Pete Sampras beat defending champion Andre Agassi, 6-3, 1-6, 6-3, in the $2.25-million ATP Tour World Championship Thursday at Frankfurt, Germany.

Despite the loss, Agassi, who dropped to 1-1, could still clinch a place in the semifinals. Sampras (2-0) also will have to wait to know if he is in the semifinals.

That was because of Boris Becker’s 7-6 (7-1), 6-3 victory over Michael Stich that opened the way for a three-way tie atop the group. Becker is 1-1 and Stich (0-2) was eliminated.

If three players end with 2-1 records, the tie is broken by percentage of sets won.

Second-seeded Gabriela Sabatini advanced to the semifinals of the Virginia Slims of Philadelphia with a 6-3, 6-0 victory over Conchita Martinez.

Sabatini will play the winner of today’s match between Jennifer Capriati and Manuela Maleeva-Fragniere, who beat Nicole Provis, 6-4, 6-4. Zina Garrison defeated Nicole Provis, 6-4, 6-4, and next plays top-seeded Monica Seles.