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Russian's Fair Play A Rarity

SCHENECTADY, New York -- Russian Andrei Chesnokov displayed sportsmanship rarely seen in tennis today when he gave American Jimmy Arias a replay of a disputed point at the OTB International Tennis Open.


Although the seventh-seeded Chesnokov lost the replayed point, he defeated Arias in straight sets 6-4 7-6 (7-3) in the first round of men's singles play Monday.


"What I did I think was very fair," said Chesnokov. "I don't want to cheat anyone."


Chesnokov was up a set and serving with a 4-3 lead in the second set. On the first point of the game, Arias hit a return that appeared to be on the line but was called out. After the American protested mildly, Chesnokov asked if he would like to replay the point.


"I would appreciate it," Arias said.


So they did. Arias won the next two points, but Chesnokov came back to win the game.


"When I gave him the first point, I started thinking, 'Andrei, do you ever remember something like that?'" Chesnokov said. "I can't believe I did that."

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