BOSTON, MA (Oct. 19, 2012) – Pete Sampras continued his impressive play in the early stages of the 2012 PowerShares Series by using his powerful serve to win the Staples Champions Cup at the TD Garden Friday night, with a 6-1 triumph over John McEnroe in the championship match.
It was Sampras’ second straight victory in his third appearance of the season, as the 14-time Grand Slam champ earned 400 points and took over the number one spot in the 2012 rankings.
Due to a delay at the start of the tournament, the championship match was shortened to a six-game set. “I loved going up against John again tonight, and now that I’ve played three events in a row, my game is really getting strong,” said Sampras. “It’s great to win again and take back the number one ranking.”
In the evening’s first semifinal, McEnroe jumped out to a quick start and was in complete control of a 6-2 victory over his rival Ivan Lendl. Showing no signs of injuries that may have plagued him in the past several years, McEnroe revenged a loss that he suffered to Lendl Thursday night, and has now taken two of their three meetings this season.
In the second semifinal, Sampras continued to frustrate Jim Courier with his dominating serve to capture a 6-3 victory. The win improved Sampras’ record to 3-0 against Courier on the 2012 Tour.
Lendl and Courier each earned 100 points, and McEnroe gained 200 to now sit alone in second overall with 900 points.
The 2012 PowerShares Series will take a short break before resuming on Friday night, November 2 in Philadelphia, when newcomer Patrick Rafter joins McEnroe, Sampras and Courier in the Champions Shootout at the Wells Fargo Center, with the action starting at 7:30 pm.
For news and stories regarding the entire 2012 PowerShares Series and ticket information for future events, log on to www.powersharesseries.com.
TONIGHT’S SCORES
Semifinal 1: McEnroe def. Lendl, 6-2
Semifinal 2: Sampras def. Courier, 6-3
Final: Sampras def. McEnroe, 6-1
UPDATED 2012 POWERSHARES SERIES RANKINGS
1. Sampras 1000
2. McEnroe 900
3. Courier 700
4. Lendl 400
T5. Chang 100
T5. Martin 100