Safin clinches third Paris Masters

Marat Safin won the Paris Masters for a record-equalling third time when he beat Czech qualifier Radek Stepanek 6-3, 7-6, 6-3 on Sunday.

The Russian sixth seed, playing his fourth final in Paris since 1999, emulated Germany's Boris Becker, the only other player to win a hat-trick of titles on the Parisian indoor courts.

Winner of last month's Madrid Masters, the former U.S. Open champion proved he is in superb form for next week's Masters Cup in Houston.

"It's easier to play here than at home because at home you have more pressure," Safin said.

"I did not expect him to play that well because it was his first time in a final. He had a couple of chances to get back in the match but luck was on my side," added the Russian.

The final, which lasted two hours and 19 minutes, epitomised Safin's impeccable all-round displays in the Bercy Sports Hall during the week.

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The Russian's serve was his main weapon but the 24-year-old also returned to perfection and used his blistering backhand, arguably the best in the game, to keep him out of trouble.

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The 25-year-old Stepanek, playing his first ATP final, provided brave opposition but was overpowered and outwitted when it mattered most, especially in the second set tiebreak when he was unable to convert a set point.

It was Safin's 14th career title, and his third in 2004.

Safin, far more experienced than his opponent, was quicker off the mark, breaking straight away to take a 3-0 lead before going on to win the first set 6-3.

He broke Stepanek's serve again in the second set to lead 2-1 before the Czech put a bandana around his hair at the break, which seemed to spur him into action.

Stepanek broke back immediately and then had two break points in the next game.

In the tiebreak the Czech, who had beaten Safin this year in the Kremlin Cup, looked more aggressive and took a 4-2 lead.

But Safin served impressively to level the score, went 6-5 ahead on a disputed call and finally took the tiebreak 7-5.

Stepanek, ranked 63rd in the world, kept fighting in the final set but Safin was far too consistent, making only 18 unforced errors in the match compared to his opponent's 48.

The Czech, who won six matches in succession to reach the final, said: "It was by far the best week in my career. Now I hope there will be more."