Philippoussis ends three-year drought

NEW YORK, July 17 (Reuters) Australian Mark Philippoussis won his first tournament in three years, defeating American Justin Gimelstob 6-3 7-5 in the final of the Hall of Fame Tennis Championships in Newport, Rhode Island.

The 29-year-old Philippoussis was a wild card entry but showed strong form all week to win for the first time since 2003 in Shanghai yesterday.

The Australian, once ranked as high as eighth in the world rankings, has battled numerous injuries in recent years and entered the tournament ranked 214th.

Philippoussis is a solid grasscourt player, however, and did advance to the Wimbledon final against Roger Federer in 2003. He demonstrated the ability to play well on grass here all week, dropping just one set.

He dominated the 29-year-old Gimelstob with his booming serve, recording 15 aces in the final against his 111th world ranked opponent. Philippoussis improved to 3-1 lifetime against Gimelstob.

Gimelstob had never before advanced to an ATP-level final in 153 career tournaments. He upset top-seeded Andy Murray of Scotland in the semi-finals of the 380,000 dollar event.

REUTERS DKS BD0500