Tennis: Agassi sets record

Andre Agassi became the oldest player to top the world tennis rankings after crushing Jurgen Melzer to reach the final of the US Clay Court Championships in Houston yesterday.

Agassi, 32, continued the form that has brought him 22 victories in 23 matches this year, overwhelming Austrian Melzer 6-4 6-1 to set up a final against fellow American Andy Roddick.

Agassi replaces Australian Lleyton Hewitt as the world's top-ranked player, a position he last held in September 2000.

Tournament second seed Roddick beat Frenchman Olivier Mutis 4-6 6-1 6-2 in their semifinal.