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LEANDER PAES and Martin Damm gave further proof of their growing chemistry when they beat the sixth-seeded Israeli duo of Jonathan Erlich and Andy Ram 6-4, 6-4, in the doubles final to win their first Pacific Life Open title and their first ATP Masters Series shield in tandem.

The Indo-Czech pair converted two of six break points while saving all five break points they faced in the one hour and 27 minute encounter.

An elated Paes said, “Our partnership is 15 months old and all the hard work we put in is really coming together now.
“The results really take care of themselves but we are playing like a team. I am really enjoying the partnership and travelling together. It's nice,” Paes added.

Damm chipped in, saying, “It's only the middle of March and it's great to win two titles already in three finals. The last time I won a Masters Series title was in 2002 (Rome), so it's nice to win another one. It's early in the season and this is a great push for the rest of the season.”

Title for Nadal

Rafael Nadal has no trouble accepting his No. 2 ranking behind Roger Federer.

“Right now, Roger's not my competition. Roger is the best in history, so my goal is continuing winning tournaments and continuing being (high) in the ranking,” Nadal said after his victory in the Pacific Life Open.

“I think if I play like this, I can win another major.” The 20-year-old Spaniard defeated Novak Djokovic 6-3, 7-5 on Sunday to end what was --- for him --- a long winless streak.

Agencies