Sometimes a SCUD missile hits its target – and sometimes it craters – but on Friday, Mark “The Scud” Philippoussis exploded onto the courts at the Pro Tennis World Open, taking out Jeff Morrison (USA) in Round One, 6-3 7-6(7) – serving up nine bomber aces along the way.

No. 1 seed Dominik Hrbaty is also through, breezing past the Netherland’s Peter Wessels 6-2, 6-3; but No. 2 seed Luis Horna, playing only his second match since the Australian Open, was beaten by Tomas Zib 6-3, 6-2. No. 5 seed Igor Andreev needed three sets to fight off American qualifier Alex Bogomolov Jr. 6-3, 7-6(5) 6-4; and No. 7 Alberto Martin just beat the rain with a 6-3, 6-4 win over Bohdan Ulihrach.

Rain suspended play late afternoon at the tournament, and persisted throughout the evening. Friday’s schedule starts on three courts at 10 a.m. with resumption of the Gilles Simon/ Julien Benneteau match; Florian Mayer vs. Bjorn Phau; and in doubles, Jeff Coetzee/Jim Thomas vs. Jose Acasuso/Luis Horna.

The Pro Tennis World Open runs From March 13 – 20, 2005 at Sunrise Tennis Club, 9605 W. Oakland Park Blvd., Sunrise FL 33351.