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Edmund wins first ATP title

October 21, 2018
Britain's Kyle Edmund holds his trophy after beating France's Gael Monfils (R) in the final of the 'European Open' hard court tennis tournament in Antwerp Sunday. — AFP
Britain's Kyle Edmund holds his trophy after beating France's Gael Monfils (R) in the final of the 'European Open' hard court tennis tournament in Antwerp Sunday. — AFP

ANTWERP, Belgium — British No. 1 Kyle Edmund fought back to down Gael Monfils in a final set tie-break and claim his maiden ATP Tour title at the European Open in Antwerp Sunday.

The 3-6, 7-6 (7/2), 7-6 (7/4) victory caps a breakthrough season for the 23-year-old and keeps alive his slim hopes of qualifying for the ATP World Tour Finals in London next month.

Edmund is the first British man other than Andy Murray to win a singles title since Greg Rusedski's success in Newport in July 2005.

"I'm obviously very happy. A lot of hard work goes into this. So it's just emotional," the world No. 15 said.

Edmund had reached his first ATP final in April, losing to Pablo Andujar in Marrakesh, shortly after replacing the injury-hit Andy Murray as British No. 1.

Khachanov bags Kremlin Cup

Home favorite Karen Khachanov raced past Frenchman Adrian Mannarino 6-2, 6-2 to claim his third career title at the Kremlin Cup in Moscow Sunday.

World No. 26 Khachanov, who was broken only once all week, dictated against Mannarino and lost just eight points on his serve to wrap up the victory in 55 minutes.

Victory guaranteed a spot in the world's top 20 when the next edition of the ATP rankings are released Monday.

The victory means the powerful Khachanov is the first Russian winner of the men's singles title at the Kremlin Cup since Mikhail Youzhny in 2009.

Tsitsipas triumphs in Stockholm

Stefanos Tsitsipas became the first Greek man to win an ATP title Sunday with a 6-4, 6-4 victory over Ernests Gulbis in Stockholm, ending the Latvian player's perfect record in finals.

World No. 16 Tsitsipas, who had lost both his previous finals this year to Rafael Nadal in Barcelona and Toronto, went one better than Nicholas Kalogeropoulos who was the first Greek to make a tour-level final in Des Moines in 1983.

The 20-year-old Tsitsipas, seeded third, wrapped up victory in 81 minutes.

Former top-10 player Gulbis, now ranked 145 and who came through qualifying in Stockholm, had been hoping to make it seven titles in seven finals.

Goerges takes Luxembourg title

Top-seeded German Julia Goerges beat Belinda Bencic 6-4, 7-5 Saturday to win the WTA Luxembourg tournament.

For the 29-year-old Goerges, ranked ninth in the world, it was a sixth career title and a second this year after victory in Auckland in January. — Agencies

October 21, 2018
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