LONG ISLAND, New York, 25 August 2003 — Top seed and defending champion Paradorn Srichaphan of Thailand cruised into the final of the TD Waterhouse Cup on Saturday, needing just 57 minutes to dispose of Germany’s Nicolas Kiefer 6-0, 6-2. Paradorn dominated his opponent with superior shot-making ability as he was moved on to yesterday’s final against American James Blake, who crushed seventh seed Younes El Aynaoui of Morocco 6-3, 6-1.

Blake didn’t take much longer than Paradorn — winning his match in just 59 minutes — as both players appear to be well rested and confident heading into the final of the last warm-up event for the US Open.

In winning this event a year ago, the Thai picked up his first ATP Tour title and has not lost a set in an impressive defense. “I feel comfortable here,” Paradorn said.

Blake won his 10th hardcourt match in 13 outings this year in dominating El Aynaoui, who appeared drained after getting little sleep on Thursday after the birth of his baby son. It’s the first finals appearance this year for Blake, who has defeated Paradorn in all three of their previous meetings.

The last time the two met — in the finals at Washington, D.C., in 2002 — Blake won in three sets for his only victory in six years on the ATP Tour.

Capriati Ends Title Drought

With Win Over Davenport

In New Haven, Connecticut, there was a lot of pain involved in Jennifer Capriati ending her title drought — mostly other people’s pain. Capriati won her first title in more than a year Saturday when Lindsay Davenport retired with a foot injury in the second set of their final at the $625,000 WTA hardcourt tournament here.

The third-seeded Capriati was leading 6-2, 4-0 when Davenport, who was limping, ended the match. Seeded No. 1, Davenport has been bothered by a painful nerve problem in her left foot, a condition called Morton’s Neuroma.

Capriati was able to reach her third final of the year Friday night when second-seeded Amelie Mauresmo retired in the second set with a stomach ailment.

“You don’t want to win like that, obviously,” Capriati said. “Lindsay was very gracious to me after and said that I still played great, nothing to take away from her injury.”