Graf and Kucera win at New Haven's Pilot Pen

Each year, some of the biggest names in tennis play in the Pilot Pen competition. Among the stars who appeared at this year's competition were Pete Sampras, Anna Kournikova, Steffi Graf, Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario, Petr Korda, and Patrick Rafter.

On the men's side, the world's No. 1 player, Sampras, made an early exit from the tournament in a third-round loss to the relatively unknown Leander Paes. The highly-seeded Rafter also made an early exit from the competition. After the dust had cleared, Karol Kucera defeated Goran Ivanisevic 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 in a highly competitive final.

The women's competition was marked by an experienced champion's return to glory. Steffi Graf reestablished herself as a winner by defeating several young stars to capture the title. Graf faced a potentially formidable opponent in returning champion Lindsay Davenport in the semifinals of this year's tournament and prevailed easily, 6-4, 6-1.

Controversy surrounded this year's tournament as Pilot Pen organizers sought to stop paying New Haven a percentage of ticket sales. The payments were part of a deal made with the city to construct a new $20 million stadium. The tournament organizers claim to need this money in order to pay for the new women's tournament. The New Haven Board of Aldermen will vote on the proposal in a future meeting.

--Patrick McGarvey

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