Sampras claims title

MIAMI, APRIL 3 Pete Sampras won his first tournament in four months, outlasting Brazil's Gustavo Kuerten in a marathon 6-1, 6- 7 (2-7), 7-6 (7-5), 7-6 (10-8) for the title on Sunday at the 5.72-million-dollar tennis Masters series.

What started out looking easy turned into a dogfight as Kuerten, seeded sixth, showed that his game has progressed well beyond the clay on which he began. Both men suffered from fatigue, with fitness playing a major role in the closing stages on the hardcourt.

Sampras, who last lifted a trophy in November at Hanover, finally raised his hands in joy and relief as Kuerten sailed a return over the baseline.

``I'm still trying to catch my breath,'' the winner said after the struggle. '' It was hard-fought, Gustavo played great. I felt it was good tennis. My conditioning was not there, but the crowd got behind me.''

Kuerten had been biding to win his first hardcourt crown after six on clay. Sampras has now won both matches the pair have played. Sampras obtained the first break point of the match with an overhead, but Kuerten saved it with a forehand cross-court.

- DPA.

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Section  : Sport
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