Simon breaks year-long draught to win Bangkok trophy

BANGKOK - Gilles Simon broke a title draught stretching a year as the Frenchman dominated Serb Viktor Troicki 7-5, 6-3 Sunday to win the Thailand Open.

Simon, tenth in the world and battling for one of eight places in the ATP World Tour Finals in London next month, claimed the sixth trophy of his career but first in more than a year with his

performance over the Serb ranked 32nd.

Simon last won on clay in Romania in September, 2008. He is defending big computer points this month after losing the Madrid Masters final to Andy Murray a year ago.

Simon became the second Frenchman to win in Bangkok after Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in 2008.

Troicki beat Tsonga in the semi-finals to book into the second final of his career.

“I’ve been feeling good and playing well all week,” said Simon, 6-2 overall in career finals. “I knew victory over Victor would be tough.

“I got a difficult match but I found a way to win. I really enjoyed myself today,” said the winner who struck seven aces and broke three times.

Simon announced his intentions as he began the match by winning the first game with an ace, then losing a break in the tenth game before breaking Troicki once more to end the set after 45 minutes.

In the second, Simon increased the pressure on the Serb, delivering a pair of love games and finishing the job with a concluding break on second match point when Troicki went wide on a return.

“It’s late in the year, but it’s still good to get my first title of 2009,” said the winner, 36-24 on the season.

“It is never easy to win a tournament, I feel really good about this one. I wish Victor better luck in his next final.

“It was prefect for me this week. I’ve worked hard in the last few months, especially with my knee injury. It was tough to get ready for this event but I played really well.”

Troicki expressed both pride and disappointment at his week.

“I’m sorry I wasn’t able to win. Simon played great and didn’t give me a chance. But I’ve still had a good week. My highlight was beating Tsonga in the semis.

“He’s a top ten player, and those are the kinds of wins that I need to get better. I’m very pleased to have reached my second final.”

Simon continues the Asian swing by playing as third seed in Tokyo from Monday while Troicki travels to the event in Beijing.