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'Mcbrat' beats 'Ice Borg'

John McEnroe edged Bjorn Borg 7-6(0), 7-6 (5) on Thursday, on the 20th anniversary of their 1980 Wimbledon final. Borg, then 24, beat McEnroe, three years his junior, 1-6, 7-5, 6-3, 6-7, 8-6.

This possibly was the last time that one will see both these names together in a headline. Two of the greatest tennis players of all time in their last match against each other, who would have asked for a better setting.

Playing in the M1 Motorola 2000 Champions Tour event at Singapore Indoor Stadium, McEnroe defeated his old foe to advance to Friday's final where he will play another Swede, Mats Wilander.

Known for the cool, clam and collected behaviour on the court at really tense points, Borg for once threw his image to the dogs and even smiled during the match. He even kissed the net after it helped him win two consecutive points.

The fans roared their appreciation.

"Maybe it's the first time, no, maybe the second time," Borg said of his kissing the net.

After Thursday's match, in the post match conference, both Borg and McEnroe said playing each other raised the level of their games.

McEnroe said he wished Borg, who plans to retire, would reconsider his decision and come back "just one more time."

"He's the only top guy I've never had a problem with on and off the court," said McEnroe. "It's sad we're not going to play together anymore."

Borg had earlier said that this week's tournament would be among his last. He plans to retire next year to focus on mentoring and sponsoring young Swedish tennis players.