Classic with a workmanlike 6-4, 6-1 triumph over American Robbie Weiss at Coral Beach and Tennis Club yesterday.

However, it was anything but a casual day at the office for Patrick McEnroe, as the fifth seed was ousted by little known David Rikl of the Czech Republic.

In the other match last night T.J. Middleton and Tobias Svantesson defeated Brian Devening and Alex O'Brien 6-3, 6-7 (4-7), 7-6.

In between there was plenty of action as spectators witnessed giant-killer Gerard Solves of France outlasting 20-year-old American David Witt 6-4, 7-6 (7-5) in perhaps the day's best match and top doubles tandem Jared Palmer and Mark Knowles eased past Pernfors and his partner Niclas Kroon 6-2, 6-2.

Not one for the history books nor very pretty, Pernfors versus Weiss had its moments though neither player performed with much consistency.

Swirling winds on centre court were a contributing factor to a rash of unforced errors and this was a complaint from many of the players.

Weiss created a stir with the crowd early in surging to a 3-0 advantage to begin the first set, but Pernfors -- in typical blue collar fashion -- with shirt-tails flying and a multi-coloured cap strategically turned backwards, did just enough when he needed it most.

Anytime it appeared Weiss might be gaining the upper-hand Pernfors dug into his bag of tricks to "boom'' in a monstrous first serve or a sizzling forehand winner.

A typical example -- and the main turning point in the match -- occured during the sixth game of the first set. Weiss, leading the set 4-1, had come from 40-love down to close within 40-30 only to have the Swede close out the game with an ace.

This appeared to spur Pernfors, who proceeded to reel off the next four games to earn the set, as Weiss' game completely unravelled under an array of blistering forehand winners and deft drop shots.

Unfortunately for the Chicagoan, the avalanche did not stop there with Pernfors dominating the second set from start to finish, breaking Weiss three times for the 6-1 scoreline.

"I started out real slow, which is not really surprising, because I do that quite often, but I've been playing real good and I thought I would be able to do so from the beginning,'' said Pernfors.

"I've never beaten him this way, I've had a lot of problems playing against him so I was somewhat worried, and I guess hesitating a little bit in the beginning.

"Overall I think I played well. Because of the wind and everything I thought I was able to keep the ball in play pretty good and work the ball around.'' A dejected Weiss, calm and cool for the most part during the match, sat disappointed at courtside at the end, no doubt wondering what might have been.

Ranked 122nd in the world, to beat Pernfors (ranked 32nd) would have been a major achievement for the 27 year old.

He pointed to a missed chance on break point in the eighth game of the opening set when he was ahead 4-3 as the beginning of the end. Instead, Pernfors saved service and won the next two games.

"I just got a little frustrated and lost concentration and didn't play too well in the second set,'' explained Weiss. "Mentally I wasn't there and got a bit discouraged. I didn't keep my head too good.'' In sharp contrast, Solves was a model of restraint under severe duress, and he needed it.

Solves and Witt wasted little time utilising impressive arrays of artillery.

Missiles thundered from behind the baseline with each player set on destroying the enemy that lay ready at the other end.

As the smoke cleared it was Solves, wobbled, but still standing, ready for the next challenge.

That was to be McEnroe -- at least according to the form-book -- but Rikl short-circuited those plans as the former was never in the match and simply rolled over against Rikl, who executed his game plan to perfection.

"For me this was a very big match, a great result,'' said Rikl. "I don't usually win very many matches against these guys so I'm very happy.

"I kept my concentration for the first and second set and that was very important. I hope I can keep my concentration until the end of the tournament.'' Results, Schedule -- Page 26.

DOUBLES IN TROUBLE -- Mikael Pernfors (left) warms up with partner Niclas Kroon prior to yesterday's doubles match against Mark Knowles and Jared Palmer. The Swedes lost the match, but Pernfors advanced to the quarter-finals in singles play earlier in the day.