Women's Draw Lacking Star Power of Top Seeds

WIMBLEDON, England, June 30 -- For the first time since 1927, when such details started being recorded, the top four women's seeds at Wimbledon failed to reach the quarterfinals.

The tournament lost much of its star wattage last week, when 2004 champion Maria Sharapova was ousted in the second round, followed by world No. 1 Ana Ivanovic in the next round.

On Monday the upsets resumed. Second-seeded Jelena Jankovic, hobbled by a strained knee, fell to Thailand's Tamarine Tanasugarn, 6-3, 6-2. The 31-year-old Tanasugarn, known as Tammy, could barely contain her joy, having reached Wimbledon's fourth round eight times without advancing. And her euphoria didn't wane even when asked about facing four-time Wimbledon champion Venus Williams in the next round.

"I play her many times, and she kick my butt, you know!" Tanasugarn said, smiling. "But there is no pressure on me at all. I'm happy. Wow!"

Shortly afterward, fourth-seeded Svetlana Kuznetsova was toppled by 18-year-old Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland, 6-4, 1-6, 7-5. Kuznetsova, the 2004 U.S. Open champion, led 4-1 in the third set when she started playing tentatively. Radwanska pounced.

Radwanska's next opponent is two-time Wimbledon champion Serena Williams.

A Fiery Match

Monday's action on Centre Court concluded with a glorious match that stirred notions of the British Empire's resurgence, with Scotland's Andy Murray roaring back from a two-sets-to-none deficit to defeat France's Richard Gasquet, 5-7, 3-6, 7-6 (7-3), 6-2, 6-4, as darkness fell.

Murray scored the point of the tournament to close the tiebreak, nearly diving into the photographers' pit to chase down a ball that looked like a winner. Instead Murray ripped it for a backhand winner that had commentators shrieking and the crowd on its feet.

"It shifted the momentum hugely," Murray said, "and I think his head went down a little bit for a few games after that shot."

The temperamental Murray has been criticized in recent years for what British fans perceive as a lack of commitment to his fitness and conditioning. Upon winning the match, he flexed a defiant bicep to the delirious crowd, which showered him with adulation.

Said Murray: "That was the best moment I've ever had on a tennis court."

A Historic First

For the first time in Wimbledon history, there will be two Asian players among the women's final eight.

Joining Tanasugarn in the quarterfinals is Zheng Jie of China, who breezed past Hungary's Agnes Szavay, 6-3, 6-4. Zheng, who will represent China at the Beijing Olympics, upset Ivanovic in straight sets.