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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 5:11 a.m., Sunday, February 22, 2009

Tennis: Tsonga edges Llodra to win title in France

Associated Press

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

France's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga holds his trophy after defeating France's Michael Llodra during their final match of the Open 13 tennis tournament, in Marseille, southern France.

CLAUDE PARIS | Associated Press

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MARSEILLE, France — Jo-Wilfried Tsonga won his second ATP title of the season, edging Michael Llodra 7-5, 7-6 (3) Sunday in an all-French final at the Open 13.

The 12th-ranked Tsonga clinched the match with an ace in the tiebreaker after Llodra double-faulted and missed a routine smash.

"I'm really happy to have won, especially since I was about not to come," Tsonga said. "My dad underwent surgery five days ago. I dedicate this victory to him. He may be listening from his hospital bed. I give him big kisses."

Llodra struggled with his serve against the 23-year-old Tsonga, who had 11 aces.

"It was really close," Llodra said. "But I did not land enough first serves to trouble him."

Llodra had his left shoulder massaged by a trainer after the end of the first set.

"The accumulation of singles and doubles matches is not easy to handle," said the left-handed Llodra, who also reached the doubles final.

Tsonga won the SA Tennis Open two weeks ago in Johannesburg, South Africa. He improved his record to a tour-best 19-3.