The 2005 Pro Tennis World Open heads for a dramatic finish Sunday, with Davide Sanguinetti vs. Karol Beck in the singles final, scheduled for 1:00 pm on Center Court at Sunrise Tennis Club.

No. 3 seed Karol Beck, a hard-courter from Slovakia with a booming backhand and currently ranked 42 in the world, faces 33-year old Italian Davide Sanguinetti, after dismissing Tomas Zib 6-3 6-2 in the semis on Saturday.

In 2004 Beck, nicknamed “Beckis”, had his best year in Grand Slams, reaching the 2nd round at the Australian Open, 3rd round at Wimbledon and 4th round at the US Open. Last year, Sanguinetti posted a 13-7 record on the ATP Challenger circuit, and reached the QF at Shanghai. He won his first ATP career titles in 2002 in Milan and Delray Beach at age 29. Sanguinetti struggled in the first set against Christophe Rochus in the semis – but finished strongly to win 6-7(6) 6-1 6-1.

The marquee doubles team Jan-Michael Gambill/Mark Philippoussis defeated Americans Justin Gimelstob/Brian Macphie in Saturday’s QF 6-3 7-6(3); then returned later to survive a strong challenge by Karol Beck/Jaroslav Levinsky 6-3 1-6 7-6(2).

The U.S. team of Rick Leach and Travis Parrott came on like gangbusters Saturday, defeating Daniele Bracciali/Christophe Rochus 7-5 6-1; then taking on the fresher team of Luis Horna/Jose Acasuso, who had won their QF in straight sets on Friday. The second set was a thriller, but the Americans came through 6-1 7-6(10).

The PTWO doubles final will take place following singles today on Center Court.

Sunday’s final matches:

1:00 pm - Karol Beck (SVK) vs. Davide Sanguinetti (ITA)

followed by:
Jan-Michael Gambill (USA)/Mark Philippoussis (AUS) vs. Rick Leach (USA)/Travis Parrott (USA)

The Pro Tennis World Open runs From March 13 – 20, 2005 at Sunrise Tennis Club, 9605 W. Oakland Park Blvd., Sunrise FL 33351.

For more information please contact

Gabe Norona, Tournament Director
(954) 328-2283

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