Superb Safin dethrones Agassi

FORMER world number one Marat Safin of Russia ended Andre Agassi’s five-year winning streak at the Australian Open with a pulsating semi-final upset of the reigning champion.

Safin, whose world ranking plunged to 86 last year after an injury-plagued season, advanced to Sunday’s final after overcoming a brave Agassi fightback to win 7-6 (8/6), 7-6 (8/6), 5-7, 1-6, 6-3 at the Rod Laver Arena.

The 24-year-old’s thunderous serve and inspired groundstrokes proved too hot for four-time champion Agassi, 33, who had not lost a match at the Australian Open since his 1999 fourth round exit.