Agassi storms into final 16

ANDRE AGASSI drew on his big match temperament to carry him into the last 16 of the Australian Open yesterday as Venus Williams led a clutch of top seeds into the fourth round.

Agassi, one of the toughest competitors on the ATP Tour, withstood a strong challenge from France’s Nicolas Escude to earn a gritty 6-2, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory in 2hr 48min.

Escude gave the three-time Australian Open champion his fiercest examination so far, forging some 20 break point opportunities - but only managing to convert four.