Tennis: Britons make advance

Tim Henman returned to form and Greg Rusedski upset the seedings as the two Britons reached the last eight of the Pilot Pen International at New Haven, Connecticut.

Henman, so uncertain whilst narrowly escaping two days previously against the Czech Daniel Vacek, played with increasing assurance to overcome the New Zealander Brett Steven 6-4, 6-4 on Thursday, while Rusedski was at his ferocious best in overcoming the top 20 Spaniard Albert Costa.

The British No 2 looks to be heading for a top 20 place himself for the first time after a 6-3, 7-6 win in which he produced 15 aces and some fierce commitment. Rusedski will now meet the 1996 Wimbledon men's singles champion, Richard Krajicek, today. Henman's win has earned him a repeat of last year's famous match at Wimbledon against Yevgeny Kafelnikov, who is the top seed.

At the RCA Championships in Indianapolis, the world No 1, Pete Sampras, suffered a surprise third-round defeat to Magnus Larsson, losing 7-6, 4-6, 7-6.

Andre Agassi produced his best tennis for six months as he saved three set points before berating beat the third seed, Alex Corretja of Spain, 7-6, 6-1. Seven of the top eight seeds have now been eliminated.