Safin lives to fight another day in Paris Masters

Russia's former World No 1 Marat Safin saved three match points here last night to prolong his career for a little longer.

Marat Safin hits a forehand in Paris last night. pic/afp

The 29-year-old two-time Grand Slam winner eventually prevailed over Frenchman Thierry Ascione 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (7/3).

Safin who is playing in his last tournament before retiringu00a0will next play Argentina's US Open champion Juan Martin Del Potro.

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"Do you really believe that I am going to beat him (del Potro)?" said Safin, who powered down 24 aces, three of which saved the match points.

"I think the level he is playing at the moment that I have no chance.

"But I will try and give him a good match," added Safin, who has won here three times the last time back in 2004.

Safin, winner of 15 career titles, said he had nothing to lose as he had no aspirations of winning the title. "This time I know I have no pretensions to the title. "I am just here to finish on a good note and to say goodbye to everybody.

"It has become increasingly more difficult to pack my bags and leave home this season."