Kuerten Advances at Heineken Open

<br>AUCKLAND, New Zealand (AP) _ Former world No. 1 Gustavo Kuerten beat American qualifier Michael Russell 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 Friday in a second-round match played over three days because of rain at the Heineken

Friday, January 10th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

AUCKLAND, New Zealand (AP) _ Former world No. 1 Gustavo Kuerten beat American qualifier Michael Russell 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 Friday in a second-round match played over three days because of rain at the Heineken Open.

Fourth-seeded Kuerten was forced indoors to finish the match, which was due to begin Wednesday when rain began to exert its influence over the troubled tournament.

All of Wednesday's matches were lost to rain and only six of eight second-round games were completed Thursday before showers again intervened.

Kuerten's was one of two matches left in limbo Thursday, tied one set apiece, when he and Russell were finally driven from the court.

The match resumed outdoors Friday, and Kuerten won three straight games to lead 3-0 in the third set before heavy and persistent rain forced a further delay.

Organizers, facing a mounting backlog, decided late afternoon to move incomplete matches indoors.

Stefan Koubek, winner of last week's Qatar Open, quickly wrapped up his second-round match against Raemon Sluiter of the Netherlands 6-3, 3-6, 6-1.

Koubek, who dropped a set for the first time in seven matches this season, led 6-3, 0-1 when rain stopped play Thursday.

Kuerten took longer to wrap up his match with Russell, a troublesome opponent who took him to five long sets in the fourth round of 2001 French Open.

Kuerten won that match two years ago and went on to claim his third French title.

Organizers will attempt to complete all quarterfinal and semifinal matches Saturday and will make use of a reserve day Sunday to play the final.