Back-to-back
Mantilla wins second straight Samsung Open
Posted: Sunday September 20, 1998 05:55 PM
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It is Mantilla's first victory since he won last year's Samsung Open Clive Brunskill/Allsport |
BOURNEMOUTH, England (AP) -- Felix Mantilla made it back-to-back titles at the clay court Samsung Open on Sunday with a 6-3, 7-5 win over fellow Spaniard Albert Costa.
The No. 3 seed took just 88 minutes to beat Costa, the No. 2 seed and 1996 champion. It was his first win over Costa in five matches.
Mantilla, ranked No. 22 in the World, has not won a tournament on the ATP tour since his win over Carlos Moya in this event at West Hants Club last year.
The 24-year-old broke Costa's serve in the first and ninth games to take the opening set 6-3.
He broke serve again early in the second set for a 3-1 lead but Costa broke back immediately to make it 3-2. Mantilla sealed the final when he broke Costa's serve for the second time in the set in the 12th game.
Mantilla said he would like to return next year in a bid to win his third consecutive title and continue the Spanish domination of the event.
"You never know what is going to happen next year but I like the court and the people here and hope I can come back to try and complete the hat trick of titles," he said Sunday.
"I spoke with my coach and we decided I must serve very aggressively and hit the ball harder with my forehand. I am very happy with the result."
In the doubles final, No. 2 seeds Neil Broad of Britain and Kevin Ullyett of South Africa scored a 7-6 (7-3), 6-3 win over No. 4 seeds Wayne Arthurs of Australia and Berasategui.
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