Agassi all set for fifth crown

ANDRE AGASSI underlined his intentions for a fifth Australian Open crown yesterday at the same time that Amelie Mauresmo raised her hopes of a maiden grand slam.

Agassi and Mauresmo, both seeded fourth, hammered their way into the third round of the opening grand slam of the year in sweltering conditions at Melbourne Park.

They were joined by top seeds Andy Roddick and Justine Henin-Hardenne, who wasted little time advancing. Roddick flashed past Czech Bohdan Ulihrach 6-2 6-2 6-3 and Henin-Hardenne ousted French qualifier Camille Pin 6-1 6-4.