Ferreira ousts Sampras

Ferreira has a fine record against Pete Sampras

Click here for Thursday's results

Wayne Ferreira beat Pete Sampras for the sixth time in his career, ousting the third seed from the $400,000 ATP Scottsdale Classic 7-5 7-5 on Thursday.

The misery at the high-altitude desert venue continued for Sampras, who has never advanced beyond the second round here in five appearances.

South African Ferreira is in a rare position, having won as many times as he has lost against Sampras, having experienced each six times.

It's a wonderful thing to have beaten Sampras six times. I can tell my grandchildren about it

Wayne Ferreira

"It has been great. I've had the most success against him of any major player," said Ferreira, into his third quarter-final of the season.

"It's a wonderful thing to have beaten Sampras six times. I can tell my grandchildren about it."

The loss left Sampras in a quandary over his game with the first Masters Series event of the season starting Monday at Indian Wells, California.

"I struggle a bit in this altitude," admitted the 30-year-old, seven-time Wimbledon winner.

"The ball goes a few feet farther than you would like. It doesn't help my serve.

Ferreira and Sampras traded breaks in the first set before the South African broke then enjoyed a love service game to win 7-5.

More frustration for Pete Sampras

Sampras was again broken in the second set and Ferreira secured victory with his first match point.

"I like to play against him," said Ferreira.

"He's a little down right now, we've all been through it. He had so many good years, it's really frustrating."

Seventh seed Xavier Malisse made a late charge in a tie-breaker, winning to the last six points to advance over Italy's Andrea Gaudenzi 7-5 7-6 (8/6).

German Rainer Schuettler, the current globe-trotter of the ATP also moved into the last eight over Spain's Felix Mantilla 6-0 2-6 6-1.

Carlos Moya, last week's Acapulco champion on clay, beat compatriot Fernando Vicente 2-6, 6-2, 6-2.

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Franklin Templeton Tennis Classic: Thursday's results (second round):

Rainer Schuettler (Germany) beat Felix Mantilla (Spain) 6-0 2-6 6-1
Xavier Malisse (Belgium) beat Andrea Gaudenzi (Italy) 7-5 7-6 (8-6)
Carlos Moya (Spain) beat Fernando Vicente (Spain) 2-6 6-2 6-2
Wayne Ferreira (South Africa) beat 3-Pete Sampras 7-5 7-5

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