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Blake cruises to Stockholm title

16/10/2005

James Blake clinched his first European title with victory over Paradorn Srichaphan in the final of the Stockholm Open.

The in-form American triumphed 6-1 7-6 (8-6) to claim his third career title.

Playing in his first tournament since reaching the quarterfinals of the US Open the sixth seed got off to a lightning start, taking a 4-0 lead at the Royal Tennis Hall.

Srichapan, the 2002 champion, lost his first three service games against the 25-year-old and made little impact on Blake's serve.

However the second set was a much closer affair. Srichapan took a crucial advantage against his opponent, breaking to take a 5-4 lead, only to lose his serve in the following game.

Blake took control in the tie-breaker and sealed the victory on his third match point with Srichapan hitting a forehand shot long.

Blake has now won an impressive 20 of his last 23 matches.

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