BEIJING, 16 September 2005 — Top seed Rafael Nadal may have to play two matches at the China Open today after rain washed out the entire day’s play yesterday. No. 2 seed Guillermo Coria also faces the prospect of two matches in a day while organizers try to clear a backlog of matches caused by the rain.

China Open officials were forced to call off four second round matches at the $1.1 million tournament, including Nadal’s clash with American Justin Gimelstob.

The 19-year-old Spaniard began his quest for a 10th title of year with an easy win over Taiwan’s Wang Yeu-tzuoo in his first appearance in Asia on Wednesday.

In quarterfinal matches, third seed David Nalbandian plays Spain’s Juan Carlos Ferrero and number four seed Thomas Johansson takes on Spaniard Carlos Moya.

Australia’s Molik Crashes Out in Bali

Third seed Alicia Molik of Australia yesterday crashed out of the WTA Wismilak International tennis tournament on the Indonesian resort island of Bali.

Unheralded Alona Bondarenko of Ukraine defeated Molik 6-4, 6-2 to advance to the quarterfinals of the $225,000 tournament.

Fifth seed Anna-Lena Groenefeld from Germany also lost, going down 6-3, 1-6, 6-1 to Japan’s Aiko Nakamura who now faces second seed Patty Schnyder.

The only positive aspect of the match for Molik was when she recovered from 1-5, held off five set points and came within two points of leveling the set at 5-5 before a forehand error ended a long rally and the set.

In the second set the Ukrainian built a 4-0 lead and Molik showed no signs of being able to recover from that position.

Schnyder overcame Spain’s Virginia Ruano Pascual 6-2, 6-3 but it was an untidy match with little rhythm and Schnyder was flattered by the score. Ruano Pascual broke to lead 2-1 in the second set, but the Swiss left-hander recovered to claim 14 of 15 points and lead 5-3. Even then, Schnyder had to fight back from 0-40 as she served out the match.

Pierce returns to Favorite

Venue for Fed Cup Final

In Paris, a revitalized Mary Pierce is eager to return to her favorite venue for the Fed Cup final at Roland Garros this weekend after making a full recovery from a thigh injury sustained during the US Open.

Pierce, 30, who lost in the final to Belgium’s Kim Clijsters, showed no ill effects during training with the France team on Wednesday. Pierce has many fond memories of Roland Garros. She won the final in 2000 and was also a finalist in 1994 and again this year.

The American-based, Canada-born Pierce had a difficult relationship with the French fans for years before her French Open triumph five years ago.

Sometimes perceived as arrogant in her younger days, Pierce has matured over the years and is now always happy to talk to the fans and the media.

After being hampered by a string of injuries over the past few years, she staged a remarkable comeback this year with her runs to the French and US Open finals.