Gonzalez demolishes Alves in Vina del Mar

SANTIAGO, Feb 1 (Reuters) Australian Open finalist Fernando Gonzalez demolished Brazil's Thiago Alves 6-2 6-2 in front of a fanatical home crowd at the Vina del Mar tournament.

The stands, which had been mainly empty during the tournament, were packed for Gonzalez's debut in round robin Group One on Wednesday night, his first match since losing to Roger Federer in Sunday's final in Melbourne.

''I want to thank everyone who came to support me because there's nothing better than playing in you own country,'' said top seed Gonzalez, winner of the tournament in 2002 and 2004.

''I hope to return and play here every year.'' Local favourite Gonzalez faces Olivier Patience of France in the final group match on Thursday.

REUTERS SAM PM1717