NEWPORT (Rhode Island), July 11: Britain’s Greg Rusedski became the third “30-something” winner on the ATP tour this year Sunday when he outlasted American Vince Spadea to retain his Hall of Fame Tennis Championship title. Rusedski, seeded third, defeated second-seeded Spadea 7-6 (7/3), 2-6, 6-4 to earn his second straight title and third overall in the 380,000-dollar grasscourt tournament, which he also won in 1993.

The 31-year-old joined 33-year-old Wayne Arthurs (Scottsdale) and 31-year-old Kenneth Carlsen (Memphis) as veteran titlists in 2005.

And he did it despite rain on Friday that forced Rusedski to play three matches over the last two days. He won both his quarter-final and semi-final in straight sets Saturday.

In the final, Rusedski improved to 4-1 all-time against Spadea, including 2-1 on grass. Spadea’s only win in the series came in 2000 at Wimbledon in Rusedski’s backyard.

Spadea, 30, was playing in his first final of the year and was denied his second career title.

Men’s singles final result: Greg Rusedski (Britain) bt Vince Spadea (United States) 7-6(3) 2-6 6-4.—Agencies