Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/240181
54 Sport maltatoday, SUNDAY, 12 JANUARY 2014 TENNIS Del Potro strolls to Sydney title Argentine Juan Martin Del Potro served notice of his strong form ahead of the Australian Open when he crushed defending champion Bernard Tomic 6-3 6-1 in the final of the Sydney International yesterday THE 2009 U.S. Open champion simply overpowered the talented but inconsistent Australian on Ken Rosewall Arena, bringing the one-sided contest to a close with a booming service winner after 53 minutes. Seeded fifth at Melbourne Park, the 25-year-old looks to be approaching the sort of intimidating form that secured him his greatest triumph at Flushing Meadows before a wrist injury nearly ended his career. Playing near faultless tennis, Del Potro served with venom and unleashed powerful forehands and backhands that forced a string of errors from the overwhelmed Tomic. Tomic, who faces world number one Rafa Nadal at the Australian Open next week, admitted Del Potro had been "too good" when the pair shook hands at the net. American John Isner earlier claimed his second Auckland Open title with a 7-6(4) 7-6(7) victory over an inspired Lu Yen-Hsun in a tight final in New Zealand. While Lu ultimately came up short in his first final, Spanish qualifier Garbine Muguruza ham- mered Klara Zakopalova 6-4 6-0 in hers to clinch a maiden WTA title at the Hobart International. Japan's Kei Nishikori was also a winner on Saturday when the lucky loser finalist beat world number seven Tomas Berdych 6-4 7-5 to win the Kooyong Classic exhibition tournament. In Auckland, Isner crashed down 23 aces but it would take more than his big serve to corral the Taiwanese, who put on a brilliant display of shot-making in his first ATP final. Lu, number 62 in the world, stunned David Ferrer to end the Spaniard's three-year reign as champion in the semi-finals but Isner held his nerve when it mattered to edge two tiebreaks and avoid another upset. "I played exceptionally well today and I needed every bit of it to come out on top," said the American, who is seeded 13th for Melbourne Park and, like Del Potro, will meet a qualifier in the first round. "I'm very happy to put my name on this trophy along with my coach Michael," said Nishikori, who lost to Berdych earlier in the week and replaced Richard Gasquet after the Frenchman pulled out on Friday. NexiaBT Junior Tournament VLTC recently organised its annual NexiaBT Junior Open which came to a close last Sunday. This ranking event, held under the auspices of the Malta Tennis Federation was aimed for junior players who competed in a series of events ranging from U-10 to U-16. The tournament was sponsored by the audit and consulting firm NexiaBT of San Gwann. Photo shows Cheyenne-Joyce Borg, winner of the U-12 Girls' category receiving her trophy from VLTC's Secretary Twanny Camilleri. Juan Martin Del Potro FORMULA 1 Marussia confirms Chilton for 2014 MAX Chilton will contest a second Formula 1 season with Marussia, the Banbury-based outfit announced yesterday. The Briton, 22, continues alongside the already confirmed Jules Bianchi. Although the agreement comes more than three months after that of Ferrari protege Bianchi, Marussia chiefs had long communicated their desire to prolong Chilton's stay, with final contractual details the sticking point. It marks the first time Marussia has named the same line-up for a second successive Formula 1 term. "I am really happy to be continuing with the Marussia F1 Team into a second season," explained Chilton. "Continuity is important for the team but also for me as a driver. You learn such a lot in your debut season, but the second year is when you can really pull all of those new experiences together and show your true potential. "That has always been the case for me in the junior categories and I'll be aiming for a similar step in my second year of F1 competition. "I would like to thank the Marussia F1 Team for their continued faith and support." Team Principal John Booth added his satisfaction at completing the deal and emphasised the importance of retaining both drivers for 2014, with turbocharged 1.6-litre engines and a host of technical changes arriving. "We are pleased to confirm that Max will continue with the team into the 2014 season," said Booth. "In view of next year's regulation changes, continuity is key, so it is highly beneficial to our technical team that we retain the same driver line-up moving forward. "Max had an impressive debut season last year and, of course, achieved a new rookie record for finishing all 19 races. He can be justifiably proud of the progress he made through the course of 2013." Download the MaltaToday App now YOUR FIRST CLICK OF THE DAY www.maltatoday.com.mt