In a one sided final top seed Lu outplayed Montcourt 6-3,6-2 in a 1hr 24 minute final to take his first title in 3 months. Lu won US$18,000 and 90 ATP points for his win, while Montcourt had to be content with US$10,600 and 63 ATP points. The finalist were also presented with the national dress of Uzbekistan

The finals played in a full capacity stadium was expected to be a close encounter with both players in good form, but turned out to be damp squib with Lu taking charge from the very beginning of the match.

Lu started well in the first set he broke Montcourt in the 3rd game to take the lead and go up 2-1. Lu was tested in the eighth game with Montcourt mounting pressure on him and the game went to about 5 deuces, But Lu hung on to hold his game and take a 5-3 lead. Lu broke Montcourt immediately in the 9th game to win the first set 6-3.

In the second set, both players matched each other stroke for stroke, with scores level till 2-2, Lu held his serve at love to go up 3-2. In the sixth game,Lu showed tremendous character moving Montcourt all around the court. He came back from being 0-30 to win 4 consecutive points to break Montcourt to go up 4-2.

Lu held his game to go up 5-2 and take control of the match, He again broke the jaded Montcourt in the eighth game to win 6-2 and win the crown comfortably.

“ I twisted my ankle four days before coming here and I thought would not be able to play in the event, but my trainer has done a fantastic job and I ended up winning the event” said an elated Lu.

I had a plan for him, I decided to cut the speed and not give my opponent any rhythm, this ploy worked for me”, he added.

My win here is not luck, I beat many good players, I played the best tennis of my career, after my win here I’m confident that I’ll be able to play good tennis and beat many good players in the future.

A dejected Montcourt said all credit to Lu, he did not give me chance at all, basically I’m a patient player wait for my chances, but today I had no chance.

I was hitting the ball very well, but my legs just did not support me, I was tired after the four good matches I played this week, he added.

Speaking at the prize distribution ceremony the Tournament Director Mr. S. Uthrapathy said that he was hopeful that the Tashkent Challenger would become an annual feature on the ATP calendar. He added that there will be many more exiting professional tennis events in Uzbekistan next year.

The Mayor of Tashkent Abdukhahhor Tukhtaev, the Deputy Minister of Sports and Culture Erkin Kutibaev, Tournament director S. Uthrapathy and ATP Supervisor Carl Baldwin presented the awards.