Mirnyi collects first ATP title

ROTTERDAM, Netherlands (AFP) - Max Mirnyi collected his first ATP title here last Sunday by beating local favourite Raemon Sluiter 7-6 (7/3), 6-4 with a little help from his 200 kilometre/hour first service.

With his Rotterdam-born opponent also seeking his first ATP win no quarter was given in the first set, until the tiebreak which the lanky Belarussian took comfortably.

Despite vociferous support from his fans Sluiter was in trouble half way through the second when Mirnyi broke for the first and only time in the match, going on to hold his serve and wrap up proceedings with an ace.

Mirnyi, who counted Yevgeny Kafelnikov and Roger Federer among his victims en route to the final, said: "This trophy's for my Dad - I forgot his birthday at the start of the week!"

The world's number 46 ranked player added: "I can't believe it. It's sobering to think of the list of players who have won here in the past (Bjorn Borg, Jimmy Connors, Ivan Lendl, Boris Becker)."

Sluiter was far from despondent at losing on home soil.

"It's not easy to lose in front of your supporters but there's no shame in being beaten by Max," he said.

"His game has evolved to a very high level this week."