Ferrer crushes Gasquet to win Japan Open

Tokyo, Oct 7: Spain's David Ferrer pummelled Frenchman Richard Gasquet 6-1 6-2 to win the Japan Open title today.

The top seed, a late replacement for Roger Federer following the world number one's late pullout, totally dominated and needed just 52 minutes to wrap up his fifth career title.

Ferrer raced through the first set in 21 minutes, winning it with a ferocious backhand pass that fizzed past Gasquet's racquet.

A dejected Gasquet trudged back to his chair and the third seed fared little better in the second set despite encouraging cheers from a Tokyo crowd anxious to get their money's worth.

Ferrer, playing his first tournament since reaching the semi-finals of the U.S. Open, broke for 2-0 with a blistering forehand and never looked like losing his grip on the match.

The Spaniard clinched his third title of the year on his first match point, forcing Gasquet's into a wild backhand.

Reuters>