Ferrer wins all-Spanish tussle to take Auckland title

MELBOURNE, Jan 13 (Reuters) David Ferrer won an all-Spanish shootout 6-4 6-2 against his friend and top seed Tommy Robredo to lift the Auckland Open title today.

There was no room for sentiment as Ferrer won the rain-interupted contest in 74 minutes to capture his third ATP title just two days before the start of the Australian Open.

''It's unbelievable. I won over Tommy. He's a top 10 (player) and it's important for me,'' said third seed Ferrer, who had won his previous titles on his favoured clay surface.

''Today, I played my best tennis of the week and it's my first tournament (win) on hard court.'' After the first rain delay, Ferrer won 12 consecutive points to take the early lead and converted four of six break points during the contest.

Robredo was magnanimous in defeat.

''If there is one guy on the tour that I like to be winning, it would be him because he's so nice guy,'' he said.

''David was playing so good. I think playing with wind was better for him because he plays with two-hand backhand and I with one, and he doesn't miss much.

''He was just a little bit better today and he beat me.'' REUTERS AY VV1607