Pete Sampras (USA) (5) def. Taylor Dent (USA) (6)5-7 7-5 7-6 (6)
from ATPtennis.com
Sampras edges Dent in tight three setter to win third title of the year
Pete Sampras followed up his good showing at the US Open by claiming his third title of the year at the China Open in Beijing. In what was a very tough match against fellow American serve & volleyer Taylor Dent, the experienced Sampras was just able to edge it in a third set tie-break after Dent double-faulted on championship point down. This is the second time that Sampras has beaten Dent in a final, with their meeting at Washington also ending in a third set tie-break victory to Sampras. The win here has pushed Sampras 4-0 in the head-to-head with Dent and sees him climb to fifth in the rankings as he chases that all important place in the top eight for qualification into Shanghai.