Israel first as Ram wins doubles with Zvonareva

LONDON, July 8 (Reuters) Andy Ram became the first Israeli to win a grand slam tennis title when he partnered Russia's Vera Zvonareva to win the Wimbledon mixed doubles crown today.

The duo ended American Bob Bryan's hopes of winning two titles in one day as he and Venus Williams were beaten 6-3 6-2 in the final.

After capturing the men's doubles with twin Mike, Bob Bryan returned to Centre Court less than an hour later to take on the ninth seeds in the final of the mixed competition.

Bryan, still feeling the effects of his four-set win in the men's doubles, proved to be the weak link in the American partnership and had his serve broken on numerous occasions.

Zvonareva sealed the win on their first match point with a thundering ace.

Ram and Zvonareva had also played two matches on Saturday as they overcame former champions and third-seeded Zimbabwean siblings Wayne and Cara Black 6-3 7-6 in the semi-finals.

REUTERS PDS RAI0227