Sydney: Mark Philippoussis knocked embattled Briton Greg Rusedski out of the Sydney International on Wednesday.

Rusedski, at the centre of a drugs storm after admitting he had tested positive for the banned steroid nandrolone, pushed the Australian all the way before falling 3-6, 6-1, 4-6.

Philippoussis will play French Open finalist Martin Verkerk in Thursday’s quarter finals after the Dutchman beat Max Mirnyi 6-7, 7-6, 7-6. Lleyton Hewitt defeated Karol Kucera 6-4, 6-1 after trailing the Slovak 4-0 in the first set.

Sydney teenager Todd Reid also continued his great form this season to beat Felix Mantilla of Spain 6-4, 6-1.

Carlos Moya beat Michael Llodra of France 7-6, 6-3 while Tommy Robredo upset Thailand’s Paradorn Srichaphan, the fifth seed, 4-6, 6-1, 7-6. Srichaphan was runner-up in Chennai last week to Moya.

Dokic withdraws

Meanwhile, Jelena Dokic has confirmed she will not play in the Australian Open starting next week. “I’m really disappointed not to be able to make the trip down to Melbourne for the Australian Open. I was looking forward to playing there for the first time in three years.” (Reuters)