SHANGHAI, Sept. 22 (UPI) -- Magnus Norman snapped a four-match losing streak Monday with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Ben-Qiang Zhu of China, in the first round at the Shanghai Open.
The seventh-seeded Swede is trying to recapture the form that vaulted him to No. 2 in the rankings in 2000. Norman underwent hip surgery in 2001 and has not been the same since.
However, two of Norman's 12 career titles have come in Shanghai. He won back-to-back crowns in 1999 and 2000.
No other main draw singles matches took place Monday as qualifying wrapped up.
Jiri Novak is the top seed at this hardcourt tournament. Novak led the Czech Republic over Thailand in Davis Cup World Group qualifying over the weekend. He won the doubles and both his singles matches, including a triumph over 11th-ranked Paradorn Srichaphan.
