Chengdu Open—China
Shang Wins Maiden Title in Chengdu; Cilic Captures Hangzhou Crown
Chinese phenom Juncheng Shang captured his first ATP Tour title on Tuesday in Chengdu, China, defeating top seed Lorenzo Musetti 7-6(4), 6-1.
Needing one hour and 39 minutes to seal his victory, Shang struck 21 winners, broke serve on three occasions and won 73 percent of his first serve points.
Never playing his opponent on Tour, Shang will hit a new career high when the latest rankings are released at No. 52. The 19-year-old left hander from Beijing, will next see action in his hometown event starting later this week.
Musetti, who has had an ultra consistent year on Tour, fell to 39-23 on the season. The 22-year-old also made the finals in Umag, Croatia, London, England, won a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics and made the semifinals of Wimbledon.
The Italian will be ranked No. 18 when the next rankings are released.
*****
Hangzhou Open—China
Former US Open winner Marin Cilic notched his 21st career title in Hangzhou, China on Tuesday, defeating home-country favourite Zhizhen Zhang 7-6(5), 7-6(5) in one hour and 50 minutes.
Cilic, who entered the event via a wildcard, entered Hangzhou ranked No. 777. The 35-year-old will be ranked No. 276 when the latest rankings are released.
Hitting 18 aces and 34 winners, Cilic used his experience and backhand from the baseline to upend his younger opponent.
Zhang, who was trying to win his first ATP Tour title, never lost his serve during the tight, two set encounter.
The 27-year-old Shanghai native will next see action in Beijing, China. Zhang will move up to No. 41 in the world after his finals appearance.
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