S'Hertogenbosch (Netherlands), June 23: Reigning champion Sjeng Schalken successfully defended his ATP grasscourt title here yesterday, beating France's Arnaud Clement 6-3, 6-4 in a repeat of last year's final.

The 25-year-old Schalken claimed a 52,000-dollar winner's cheque out of a total prize fund of 380,000 dollars to the delight of home supporters.
Schalken, ranked 12th in the world, confirmed he is among the favourites for this week's Wimbledon championships by his domination at this Dutch event.
"I'm proud because to successfully defend a title is never easy. And here in my own country the pressure is, of course, greater than else where.
"Wimbledon? I fly to London this evening and I'm hoping to have a good championship. I really believe in myself having done so well here."



Schalken broke serve early on and, though Clement had a break point in the seventh game, he held on to take the first set 6-3. Clement served better in the second set but Schalken cleverly varied his game, causing the Frenchman to make errors.



The Dutchman won the match on his second match point. Clement, who lost to Schalken for the seventh time in nine meetings, managed a smile when receiving his runners-up trophy.



"Even if I'm a bit disappointed to lose the final, I had a great tournament," Clement said. "It has been a great warm-up for Wimbledon. Sjeng played a good match but I hope I have a third chance to finally beat him next year."


Bureau Report