Cyprus tennis ace Baghdatis wins China Open

Cypriot tennis star Marcos Baghdatis won the $70,000 China Open in Beijing on Sunday, after he beat Croatian Mario Ancic in the men’s singles final in two straight sets, 6-4 6-0.

This is Baghdatis’ first ATP title in his career and the first time that the No. 3-seeded Cypriot beat fourth seed Ancic.

Baghdatis cruised from victory to another after beating off persistent opposition from world-class rival Paradorn Srichaphan of Thailand with 6-2 3-6 7-5 on Saturday.

The pair will probably meet again on Srichaphan’s home ground when Baghdatis enters for the Bangkok Open next week.