Wednesday, July 19 2006 16:19 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Indianapolis: South Korea's Hyung-taik Lee halted the winning run of Mark Philippoussis as he eliminated the Aussie 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) in the first round of the ATP Indianapolis Open on Tuesday.

Just two days after breaking a trophy drought which had lasted for nearly three years, two-time grand slam finalist Philippoussis was unable to make the quick switch from grass to hardcourt.

The 29-year-old who cut his ranking almost in half to reach 125th in the world as he beat Justin Gimelstob in the weekend final of the ATP Newport event.

"It was tough out there, very humid," the Australian said.

"The balls were flying through the air and I couldn't get used to it," he said.

"I had no feel for the ball and no control. I was struggling, but I felt Ok physically. I'm a little disappointed, it was a good chance to get some practice," he said.

The loss in which Philippoussis fired a dozen aces, was balanced by first-round win from 35-year-old Aussie qualifier Wayne Arthurs, who put out Israeli Harel Levy 6-3, 7-5.

South African Wesley Whitehouse eliminated Gimelstob 6-3, 7-5 in the opening round. Chile's third-seeded Fernando Gonzalez got off to a quick start after a bye, reaching the third round over American teenager Sam Querrey 6-3, 6-4 in just 67 minutes.

Gonzalez brought the 18-year-old ranked 200 back to earth after Querrey's Monday win.

The 16th-ranked Gonzalez improved 24-13 on the season.

American holder Robby Ginepri was beginning his title defence against Alejandro Falla of Colombia.