Montanes successfully defends Estoril open title

OEIRAS, Portugal (AP) -Albert Montanes successfully defended the Estoril Open, beating unseeded Frederico Gil of Portugal 6-2, 6-7 (4), 7-5 in Sunday's final.

The fourth-seeded Spaniard withstood a fightback from Gil, blowing two match points when leading 5-3 in the second set.

The 120th-ranked Gil took the ensuing tiebreaker and then twice broke Montanes to open a 3-0 lead thanks to some inspired passing shots and fast court speed.

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The Portuguese faded as the set wore on, allowing Montanes to level at 4-4 before dropping serve in the 12th game.

Montanes eliminated No. 1 Roger Federer in two sets in Saturday's semifinals.

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