Frenchman Richard Gasquet beat compatriot Benoit Paire 6-2, 6-3 Sunday in the Open Sud de France final for his second title this season.
''It's fabulous to win two titles in a season, especially so early,'' Gasquet told Canal Plus television. ''I'm very motivated for the remainder of the season.''
Gasquet broke Paire twice for a 5-2 lead and took the opening set when a backhand return from Paire sailed wide. The third-seeded Frenchman dropped serve once in the second set, but broke Paire three times. He clinched victory when Paire netted a backhand.
It is Gasquet's ninth career singles title. He also won the Qatar Open in January.
''I knew I could rely on my experience. He was playing his first final in France - it's always a tricky situation,'' Gasquet said. ''Benoit is a very dangerous player. He has a very special game that can be disconcerting.''
Paire was appearing in only his second final on the main tour. He was runner-up in Belgrade last year, losing in straight sets to Andreas Seppi of Italy.
''I rushed a lot of my shots,'' Paire said. ''I thought about the final in Belgrade where things went bad for me. When I lost the first set 6-2, I told myself `it's happening again.' I think the result is a bit normal. You must play a few finals to know how it feels.''
