Lee Hyung Taek reaches round 16 at U.S. Open

Korea¡¯s top men¡¯s tennis star, Lee Hyung Taek (24, Samsung Securities), has reached round 16 for the first time ever at the U.S. Open, the last major tournament of the year.

Ranked 182nd worldwide, Lee upset Rainer Schuttler, who is ranked 67th, in the 3rd round (6-2, 3-6, 6-4, 6-4). On the 5th, Lee will have to play the holder of 13 major titles, Pete Sampras, in round 16.

Lee¡¯s advancement into round 16 at a major tournament is the first ever by a Korean men`s player. On the women¡¯s side, Lee Duk Hee reached round 16 at the U.S. Open in the women¡¯s singles in 1981. By reaching the 4th round, Lee has secured $55,000 in prize money and with 164 world ranking points, Lee will be able to break the previous highest ranking by rising to the 110 level.

Kim Jong-Seok kjs0123@donga.com