PARIS, Feb 3: World No 45 Mona Barthel of Germany upset the odds to beat top seed Sara Errani of Italy 7-5, 7-6 in the final of the Paris Open on Sunday.

Barthel seemingly had the edge on several occasions in the French capital only for seventh-ranked Errani to reel her opponent back in before the German finally ended Errani’s dogged resistance after one hour and 56 minutes.

The title was Barthel’s second on the WTA Tour following her maiden triumph in Hobart a year ago.

On Saturday, Errani benefited from a retirement for the second time this week when lucky loser Kiki Bertens of the Netherlands pulled out while trailing 5-0 in their semi-final.

Barthel meanwhile sailed through the first set 6-1 against Frenchwoman Kristina Mladenovic before overcoming sterner resistance to close out the match 6-4.—Agencies

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