QUITO, Feb. 11 (Xinhua) -- Spain's Roberto Carballes Baena secured his first ATP title by defeating compatriot Albert Ramos-Vinolas in the Ecuador Open final on Sunday.
The world No. 107 took two hours and 28 minutes to beat the No. 2 seed 6-3 4-6 6-4 in the opening clay court event of the season.
"The match was really tough," a jubilant Carballes Baena said. "I played very well in the first set, the second set was tighter with Albert stepping up his game and fighting for every point. He is a difficult opponent" .
"In the third set I gave everything I had. The adrenalin and the energy of the crowd helped me to win," Carballes Baena said.
The 24-year-old was considered a rank outsider prior to the tournament, having not won an ATP match in almost a year.
On his way to the final, the Tenerife-born Carballes Baena defeated seeded opponents Paolo Lorenzi of Italy and Nicolas Jarry of Chile.
"Nobody likes to lose and I gave my all the entire week but Roberto is a deserved champion and I congratulate him," a gracious Ramos said.
