Rafter takes title as injured Kuerten quits

INDIANAPOLIS, (U.S.), AUG. 20. A painful rib muscle strain forced Gustavo Kuerten to quit while trailing 2-4 in his final with Patrick Rafter, handing the Australian the title at the $ 800,000 RCA championships on Sunday.

Kuerten, who claimed his first career hardcourt trophy here a year ago, gave up after 22 minutes on court. With Rafter one point away from taking a 5-2 lead, the Brazilian asked for ATP trainer Doug Sprain and then signalled that he could not go on.

The 24-year-old Kuerten had spent 68 minutes in the morning, winning a rain-delayed semifinal over Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic 1-6, 6-3, 6-2, then took to the court for his second straight clash in a final against Rafter.

Kuerten won the Cincinnati Masters series title a week ago over the Aussie in straight sets.

The victory ended a victory drought for Rafter which stretched back to June, 2000, when he won on grass in Holland.

He now owns 11 titles, including a pair of U.S. Open crowns.

But success was bittersweet at best. ``It's difficult to win like this and it's unfortunate for Guga,'' said the Australian, beaten in three straight finals prior to Sunday, dating to a five-set loss to Ivanisevic at Wimbledon.

``For me, it's a big thrill, but you never want to win in this fashion. But it's still very exciting to finally win a tournament, I'd almost forgotten the feeling.''

Just like last week in Cincinnati, Kuerten had done double-duty yesterday, taking 68 minutes to win a semifinal postponed from Saturday night.

Kuerten, who won $ 60,600 to the $ 115,000 of Rafter, said he felt let down by his failure to finish. ``My rib hurts when I lift my arm, especially on a forehand,'' said the Brazilian. ``I had some treatment before this match, but there wasn't much time.''

``I'll have to see a doctor and rest it. I hope to be back on court in three or four days,'' added Kuerten, who was planning to spend next week preparing for the start of the U.S. Open on August 27.

A clearly tired Rafter was keeping his options open about his appearance in an ATP event at long Island starting on Monday, where Ivanisevic is also entered.

Rafter said he knew before the match that his opponent was not at 100 per cent, having seen him receive treatment before the match.

``When you see someone flailing like that on court, it's a bit like a wounded bull,'' said the Aussie fifth-seed. ``But they could loosen up and go for everything. You can get a bit nervous over that as well.''

He added: ``it's a funny feeling to win, sort of a relief, but not the right sort of stuff. It's not like you fought hard and played great, that's a lot more satisfying.

Mahesh loses in doubles final

In the doubles final, fifth-seeded Bahama's Mark Knowles and Brian Macphie of U.S. overcame a tough opposition and rain delay before beating India's Mahesh Bhupathi and Canada's Sebastien Lareau 7-6 (7-5), 5-7, 6-4.

The results:

Final: Patrick Rafter bt Gustavo Kuerten 4-2 (conceded); Semifinal: Gustavo Kuerten bt Goran Ivanisevic 1-6, 6-3, 6-2.

- AFP

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Sport
Previous : Nicol aims to break a drought
Next     : Serena Williams captures crown