The Hindu : Sport / Tennis : Davydenko bags Shanghai Masters title

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Davydenko bags Shanghai Masters title

— Photo: AP

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED: Nikolay Davydenko upset top-seeded Rafael Nadal on Sunday.

SHANGHAI: An inspired Nikolay Davydenko beat top seed and World No. 2 Rafa Nadal 7-6(3), 6-3 to become the Shanghai Masters champion on Sunday.

The sixth seed blasted winners from both sides throughout the two-hour contest, winning a tight first set 7-3 in the tiebreak and then getting the only break of the second to secure his fourth title of the year.

Spaniard Nadal battled gamely in his first final since May, but always looked second best against the gutsy Russian.

Davydenko, the World No. 8, sealed his fourth win in four finals this year when the Australian Open champion went long with a backhand, and a subsequent Hawkeye challenge ruled in the Russian’s favour.

A long rally in the first point set the tone for a baseline battle with both players trying to blow the covers off the ball and stretch their opponent.

The Russiangot the first breakthrough as early as the third game, moving to the net to volley home a winner.

Nadal saved two break points on his next service game before using his slice to great effect to get himself back in the match at 4-4.

Davydenko kept up the pressure and raced to a 5-2 lead in the tiebreak, clinching it three points later with another sizzling forehand winner.

The second set continued in similar vein with Davydenko now full of confidence and still finding winners whenever Nadal sent him anything short over the net.

The 23-year-old former World No. 1 missed a backhand to give his opponent a break for 4-2 and the Russian held his nerve to serve out for victory.

Davydenko’s victory will greatly enhance his chances of securing one of the three remaining spots at the World Tour Finals in London.

Stosur triumphs

Samantha Stosur captured her first career WTA title when she defeated Francesca Schiavone of Italy to win the Japan Open women’s tennis tournament in Osaka on Sunday.

The Australian third seed, who dashed Caroline Wozniacki’s defence of the title in the semifinals on Saturday, chalked up a 7-5, 6-1 victory over the fourth seed in just 68 minutes. — Agencies

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