Sun May 11 14:32:32 2008

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Ljubicic wins war in Hamburg opener

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Hamburg, Germany (Sports Network) - Ivan Ljubicic of Croatia was among a trio of winners during the opening day of play at the Hamburg Masters Series open on Sunday.

Ljubicic survived a three hour war to edge Steve Darcis of Belgium, 6-7 (6-8), 7-5, 7-6 (7-4).

Meanwhile, fellow Croat Ivo Karlovic disposed of German wild card Mischa Zverev in straight sets, 7-6 (7-4), 7-6 (7-3), and Frenchman Gilles Simon upended Xavier Malisse of Belgium, 6-4, 7-5.

Action continues on Monday highlighted by German Rainer Schuettler battling Jarkko Nieminen of Finland for a chance to face world No. 1 Roger Federer in the second round.