Gasquet quells Rochus's challenge to win tournament

Mumbai, Sept 30 (UNI) To-seed Richard Gasquet of France endured a second set challenge by eighth seed Olivier Rochus of Belgium before winning the title in straight sets at 6-3, 6- 4 in the 416,000 dollars Kingfisher Airlines Open tennis tournament at the CCI hard courts here today.

Gasquet got 65,850 dollar as prize money for his win, while Rochus had to be satisfied with 35,500 dollar for the runner-up berth.

The Frenchmen took control of the first set early on, breaking Rochus in the very second game of the set with the 43 ranked Belgium hitting a double fault.

He then held on to his serve with ease to close out the first set at 6-3 in 37 minutes.

The second set saw Gasquet once again breaking Rochus in the very first game to go up 1-0. Rochus, however, fought hard and got back the break immediately with Gasquet's serve failing him with his first double fault on break point.

The games then went on serve till 3-3 in the second set. In the seventh game of the set, however, Gasquet got back the break with a superb down the line backhand winner and then Rochus made a double fault.

This was enough for the 14th-ranked Frenchman as he closed out the match at 6-4 in an hour and 26 minutes to win his fifth career title.

Gasquet served four aces and three double faults, while Rochus served two aces and two double faults with both the double faults coming at break points.

Results: Final: Singles: R Gasquet (France) beat O Rochus (Belgium) 6-3, 6-4.

UNI