TENNIS / ATP CHAMPIONSHIP : Sampras Wins Twice to Reach Semifinals

On two-for-one day, top-ranked Pete Sampras led the way into the semifinals of the $1.65-million Thriftway ATP Championship.

Sampras meets Stefan Edberg in the semifinals, with Andre Agassi facing Michael Chang.

All four players had to play two matches on Friday, the result of Thursday’s rainout. Chang was the only one pressed to three sets when he beat Jason Stoltenberg, 7-6 (7-3), 5-7, 6-3.

Edberg had to play three matches, two singles and one doubles.

“I’m fine. I had two quick matches, and I had the day off yesterday, so I feel fresh,” said Edberg, who beat Wayne Ferreira, 6-4, 6-2, in the morning and then came back to beat Brad Gilbert, 6-4, 6-2.

“I’ve got to play doubles, so I can’t worry about tomorrow yet.”

German Michael Stich also had to play three matches, but he didn’t fare as well. He beat Mark Woodforde, 6-3, 6-3, then lost to Agassi, 6-3, 6-2. He and Ferreira stayed alive in doubles, beating Luke and Murphy Jensen, 6-3, 7-5.

Sampras, who defeated Aaron Krickstein in his first match, easily beat Steve Bryan, 6-4, 6-0, in the evening quarterfinal.

Sampras fell behind Krickstein, 4-0, in the second set before winning 6-2, 7-5. He was broken twice and was down 40-love, trailing 5-4 in the second set.