Bangkok, Sep 28: Taylor Dent denied world number one Juan Carlos Ferrero the first indoor victory of his career, sweeping past the Spaniard 6-3, 7-6 (7-5) today to lift the trophy at the 550,000-dollar Thailand Open. Thousands in a sellout crowd of 10,000 had been cheering the popular Spaniard on as he became the de facto favourite after the tearful quarter-final exit of top Thai Paradorn Srichaphan.
But the underrated Dent, whose big serve is beginning to be backed up by solid play at the net, spoiled the scenario at the impact arena. The eighth seed, who hammered eight aces, lifted his second title of the season and third of his career with the win in one hour, 40 minutes. Ferrero, whose previous three trophies this season have all come on clay, was unable to storm back after dent won the opening set, levelling in the second but losing in a deciding tie-breaker as the American put a winning return down the line to seal victory.
Ferrero was playing in his sixth final of the season while Dent is now two-for-two in 2003 title matches as he levels his series with Ferrero at one win each. Bureau Report