Gulbis overcomes Fish for second career title

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Gulbis overcomes Fish for second career title

World number 84 Latvian Ernests Gulbis has won his second title of career when he overcame top seed Mardy Fish in three sets 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 in the Los Angeles final.
The two exchanged 24 aces, 14 of which being hit by the American who managed to clinch the opener at five thanks to a late break. The second set saw the Atlanta champion concede a break and create zero break points, losing the term by two games. Finally, the decider saw the two exchange three break points, two of which being grabbed by the Latvian who stunned the top seed with yet another break which helped him power through to the second career singles success.
Ernests hit at the same time ten aces past the crowd favorite, winning 65 percent of service points, 33 on return and 58 percent on his first serve. On the other side, Fish finished the game with a 60 first serve percentage and 35 on return, winning 67 percent of service points and only breaking his opponent, who committed seven double faults, twice.
The Latvian needed two hours and 43 minutes to claim his first win over the world number eight who was chasing his second straight season title after the Atlanta success. “It means a lot to me. It’s my second title. It gives me a huge boost in confidence. Mardy is No. 9 in the world and today I played a good match,” said the winner.
As for Fish, he could only admit Gulbis’ showing: “He played well when he needed to. He got those two breaks early in the third set, clearly which was big. I almost got him in the end… it wasn’t meant to be…I’ve played a lot of matches the past month and half, so he came in a little bit fresher than me. I think that played a part,” he said.
Previous to the final, the Latvian had ousted another host Alex Bogomolov Jr. of United States 6-2, 7-6, but also second seed and US Open champion Juan Martin Del Potro 6-2, 6-4 in the quarter finals. In the first round he stunned Xavier Malisse 2-6, 6-3, 7-6 and in the second one Daniel Kosakowski 6-2, 6-4.
En route to the final, Fish had eliminated compatriot Ryan Harrison 6-0, 4-6, 7-6 in the semis, Igor Kunitsyn 6-2, 6-4 in the final eight round and Gilles Muller 7-6 6-1 in his debut at the LA event. He is to receive $50,400 and 150 points ATP, while Gulbis will pocket $113,000 and 250 points ATP.
Los Angeles Prize Money and points:
Winner – $113,000 and 250 points ATP
Runner-up – $50,400 and 150 points ATP
Semi finalist – $32,200 and 90 points ATP
Quarter finalist – $18,350 and 45 points ATP
R16 – $10,800 and 20 points ATP
R32 – $6,410 and zero points

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