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Federer makes mark on grass

Roger Federer defeated Halle defending champion, Germany's David Prinosil Keystone

Swiss number one tennis player Roger Federer made a good start to his grasscourt tournaments bid on Thursday when he booked his place in the quarter-finals of the ATP tournament in Halle, Germany.

Federer beat his German opponent and defending champion, David Prinosil, in straight sets.

Both sets were hard won by Federer, the first going to a tie break after 13 games, ending 10-8. The Swiss, who is seeded sixth for the tournament, took the second set 7-5.

Federer is next up against the Australian, Patrick Rafter, who is the tournament’s second seed. The encounter is set to be a tough one, as Rafter, who is ranked 10th in the world, has won the last two matches played against the Basel teenager, who is ranked 16th.

With Wimbledon, another grasscourt tournament, on the horizon, Federer will be hoping to score a victory over the Australian, who was a finalist in last year’s event.

In the women’s game, Switzerland’s Marie-Gaiane Mikaelian beat Anca Barna of Germany to proceed to the third round of the WTA tournament in Tashkent.

Mikaelian overcame her opponent in straight sets 6-4, 6-2.

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