Munich, May 2 (IANS) Philipp Kohlschreiber overcame Dominic Thiem 7-6, 4-6, 7-6 to reap his third tennis title, the BMW Open.
The 32-year-old local hero moved past Austrian Thiem in two-and-a-half hours after making use of his third match ball to win the third title following his fifth final in Munich on clay here on Sunday, reports Xinhua.
However, it was a stiff piece of work for the German, who previously won the BMW Open in 2007 and 2012.
Fourth seeded Kohlschreiber grabbed the first set after a contested tiebreak 7-6 (9-4) before third seeded Thiem bounced back to wrap the second set 6-4, forcing the game into the decider.
Kohlschreiber pulled away 5-2 in the third set but Thiem kept it bowling and restored parity. Nevertheless, Kohlschreiber had the last laugh as Germany's Davis Cup player sealed the deciding tiebreak 7-4.
"That was a fantastic tournament. Dominic and I staged a great fight. I am sure he will win this tournament," Kohlschreiber said.
The 22-year-old Thiem added: "I want to congratulate Philipp. It was a exciting final of an excellent tournament."
