Andre Agassi became the oldest men's player to be ranked No. 1 in the world as he advanced to the final of the United States Men's Clay Court Championships last night with a 6-4, 6-1 victory over Jurgen Melzer of Austria in Houston.

Agassi's victory gave him enough points to surpass Lleyton Hewitt of Australia and regain the top spot for the first time since Sept. 10, 2000, when Agassi was replaced by Pete Sampras.

Agassi, who will be 33 on Tuesday, replaced Jimmy Connors as the oldest player to hold the top ranking. Connors held the No. 1 spot at 30 years 10 months in 1983.

In today's final, Agassi will play the two-time champion Andy Roddick, who beat Olivier Mutis of France, 4-6, 6-1, 6-2. (AP)