Soderling claims another title

Marseille - Robin Soderling of Sweden beat Marin Cilic of Croatia 6-7 (8), 6-3, 6-3 on Sunday in the final of the Open 13 to earn his ninth career title.

The top-seeded Swede has now won 17 of 18 matches this year, clinching titles in Rotterdam last weekend and in Brisbane last month.

Soderling slammed an ace clocked at 216km/h to set up three match points, and the Swede converted the first with a forehand winner down the line.

The French Open finalist saved four set points in the tie-breaker of the first set, but Cilic converted the fifth when a backhand return from Soderling sailed wide.

Soderling hit a forehand pass down the line to take a 4-3 lead in the next set. He leveled at one set apiece when Cilic hit an approach shot wide.