Injured Malisse pulls out of Indian Wells

INDIAN WELLS, California, Mar 9 (Reuters) Belgium's Xavier Malisse, a winner of two ATP titles this year, withdrew from the Pacific Life Open yesterday because of an injured right wrist.

The 26-year-old, seeded 29th for the opening Masters Series event of the season after triumphing in Chennai, India and Delray Beach, Florida last month, will be replaced in the 96-strong draw by a lucky loser.

Malisse's slot as a ranked player will be filled by compatriot Olivier Rochus, who was initially scheduled to face Spaniard Feliciano Lopez in today's opening round.

Rochus gets a bye into the second stage where he will meet either American Vincent Spadea or Stefan Koubek of Austria.

Lopez will take on the lucky loser in round one.

Reuters SY DB0900