Stakhovsky Saves One M.P. To Win Second Title

Ukrainian Sergiy Stakhovsky became the third qualifier to win an ATP World Tour title this season as he saved one match point to edge to a 2-6, 7-6(8), 7-6(7) victory over first-time finalist Horacio Zeballos Sunday at the St. Petersburg Open, an ATP World Tour 250 indoor hard-court tennis tournament in Russia.

The 23-year-old Stakhovsky followed in the footsteps of Benjamin Becker and Thomaz Bellucci, who, as qualifiers, captured ATP World Tour titles at the Ordina Open in Halle and the Allianz Suisse Open Gstaad respectively earlier this year.
As winner, World No. 93 Stakhovsky received 250 South African Airways 2009 ATP Ranking points and $118,500, while runner-up Zeballos earned 150 Ranking points and $62,300 in prize money.