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Paes crashes out of Singapore Open

Crowd pleaser Michael Chang broke a two-year jinx of first-round defeats, advancing in his opener at the Singapore Open at the expense of Leander Paes 6-1, 6-3.

The former world No. 2 Chinese-American has never won a title here despite a dozen throughout Asia during his career.

Unseeded Chang, now ranked 76th or a career low, said he feels something has turned for the better in his game.

''The last ten days something inside me has changed,'' said the deeply religious 27-year-old. ''I feel very good, I have a lot of joy. I've been praying a lot. I haven't felt like this in a long time.''

Chang said he was very pleased to get past Paes, the number 186 whose game includes the lost art of touch, slice and off-pace tactics.

''I'm very relieved,'' said Chang of his win. ''I know my ranking has dropped, but I was pumped up from the first ball. I'm excited to be here.''

Chang next faces young compatriot Jan-Michael Gambill, the seventh seed.

UNI