Henman hits new heights

Tim Henman, the British No 1 who celebrated his 22nd birthday last Friday, yesterday received his highest world ranking, of 33, after his performance at the US Open.

Henman, who was beaten in the last 16 by Stefan Edberg at Flushing Meadow, has now matched fellow Briton Greg Rusedski's highest ranking. Rusedski reached No 33 in January, but is now No 75.

However, Henman will miss out on a cash windfall after being ranked 20th in the qualifying order for the Compaq Grand Slam Cup, which carries a pounds 1m first prize. Only the top 16 of the Grand Slam season qualify for the Munich tournament from 3-8 December.

Danny Sapsford, the British Davis Cup player, beat the Spaniard Ignacio Truyol, ranked 73 places above him on the ATP computer, 6-3, 6-4 in the first round of the Bournemouth International Open at the West Hants Club yesterday. Hardly had Sapsford left the court when a phone call informed him that his wife, Yuki, had gone into labour.

Two other British players, Colin Beecher, from Kent, and the 18-year- old Martin Lee, of Worthing, both wild cards, were beaten in the first round.

Results, Sporting digest, Page 22