Germans Win Doubles, Bjorkman Takes Singles at ATP Vietnam Open
Germans Lars Burgsmuller and Philipp Kohlschreiber, and Swede Jonas Bjorkman won the doubles and singles titles respectively at the inaugural ATP Vietnam Open in Ho Chi Minh City Sunday.
The Germans defeated Australian Ashley Fisher and Swede Robert Lindstedt 5-6, 6-4 and 6-2 in doubles action, while Bjorkman outpowered Radek Stepanek of the Czech Republic 6-3 and 7-6 to take the singles crown.
In the nearly 2-hour match, the Germans doubles pair worked well together in outmatching their opponents on their way to the title.
"We feel happy with the result," said the German players, who made the final after Argentine Juan Pablo Brzezicki fell ill and pulled out with teammate Juan Monaco.
In the singles final, Bjorkman overcame third seeded Stepanek in the 85-minute match 6-3, 7-6, controlling from the onset for his first win since 2002.
"I felt very relaxed going on the court," Bjorkman said. "I managed to play my best tennis in the biggest match of the week."
The $380,000 ATP Vietnam Open, held for the first time in Ho Chi Minh City from Sept. 24 to Oct. 2, featured some 32 players, like ATP 10th ranked and tournament top seed Mariano Puerta of Argentina, and tournament No. 2 Swede Thomas Johansson.
The ATP tournament, move from its former location in Shanghai China, marked the first time Vietnam has hosted international-level tennis. High ticket prices and limited publicity, however, resulted in mediocre attendance. The stadium was only three-quarters full for the final.
Still, tournament director Amit Naor was "more than satisfied" and said ATP organizers have committed to a three-year deal in Vietnam.
"For the first tournament, we got a great response," he said. "I think the future of tennis in Vietnam and the future of the ATP in Vietnam is very bright."
Source: Xinhua, AP
Story from Thanh Nien News
Published: 03 October, 2005, 12:48:14 (GMT+7)
Copyright Thanh Nien News
