Blake claims first title

Blake survived three break points in the final set

American James Blake came from a set down to beat Thailand's Paradorn Srichaphan and capture his first ATP singles title.

Blake won 1-6 7-6 6-4 in just over two hours to claim the $112,000 (£73,000) first prize.

"I never knew if my first title would ever come," said Blake, who beat top seed Andre Agassi in the semi-finals.

"Just beating Andre Agassi would be an incredible week. But to do that and to follow it through with a win is great.

I was really confident in the first set but he came back strong in the second and third

Paradorn Srichaphan

"Having been so close two times, where it came down to a couple of points, I knew the feeling too well and I didn't want to feel it again."

Encouraged by cheering Thai fans, 14th seed Srichaphan sailed through the first set as he broke Blake's serve twice.

Blake responded with a break in the sixth game of the second set before Srichaphan broke back to set up a tie break, which Blake won 7-5.

Srichaphan had three break points in the fourth game of the third set but was unable to convert any of them.

Blake eventually achieved the crucial break with a forehand down the line to take a 3-2 lead.

The 23-year-old double-faulted on his first match point but clinched victory on his next when Srichaphan's return floated long.

Blake has now beaten Srichaphan on all three occasions they have played each other.

"It's been a hot week. But I think both of us played our best," said Srichaphan.

"I was really confident in the first set, moving him around. He just came back strong in the second set and in the third set."

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Legg Mason Tennis Classic final

James Blake (USA, 6) bt Paradorn Srichaphan (Tha, 14) 1-6 7-6 6-4