Kafelnikov thwarts local hero

Kafelnikov has now claimed 23 career singles titles

Yevgeny Kafelnikov bt Sebastien Grosjean 7-6 (7-5) 6-2

Yevgeny Kafelnikov disappointed the Marseille crowd by beating local favourite Sebastien Grosjean 7-6 6-2 for his first title of the season.

For Grosjean, seeded fourth, it was his fourth defeat in five final appearances.

For second-seeded Kafelnikov it was his 23rd tour title and it came on his 27th birthday.

"It is a very nice present, not only because it is my birthday but because this tournament holds a special place in my heart," Kafelnikov said.

"I felt I played the important points well today, even if I didn't play my best tennis."

Grosjean had desperately wanted to win in front of his hometown crowd, but squandered his chances in the first set.

The Davis Cup player led 3-1, 5-3 and 6-5 but on each occasion let Kafelnikov fight back.

After the Russian had sealed the tiebreaker with an ace, the fight appeared to go out of Grosjean's game.

Kafelnikov quickly raced to a 3-1 lead in the second set and Grosjean was unable to get back on terms.