Henman left to seek cold comfort in No 2 spot

Tim Henman will take little solace from rising up two places in the ATP Champions Race. The 27-year-old from Oxford, who now sits at No 2, achieved that feat by reaching the final of the Pacific Life Open here only to once again be provided with a painful reminder of the gulf which exists between him and the world's élite.

The Australian Lleyton Hewitt, the reigning US Open champion and current world No 1, beat Henman 6-1, 6-2 to confirm his status as the best around."He's playing phenomenal tennis," Henman said of his opponent in that final. "From the players' perspective, he's setting the benchmark. He's the top player in the world right now. He's setting the standard in a number of areas, whether it's returning or whether it's his foot speed around the court. I think those two stand out."

Hewitt was delighted after winning his first Tennis Masters Series event and put his success down to the hard work he had put in during the winter. At 21, he has now won 14 ATP titles, equal to Andre Agassi at the same age and four behind Pete Sampras.

"It's fantastic to finally win a Tennis Masters Series event," Hewitt said. "The atmosphere was electric. I worked extremely hard, putting in a lot of hours on the court... when I was able to pick up the racket again after a few months off.

"Then to come out and to play the way that I have, be mentally tough out there, with the fitness level back again, it's a great feeling.

"I have been playing strong in the big matches when it counts. When it gets to a big match, it doesn't worry me at all. I go out there, I play with no fear. It is a little bit surprising, though, that I've been able to win my 14th title in such a short time."

During his six matches here, Hewitt lost one set, in the second round to Andrei Pavel during a sand storm. That form was evident from the onset against Henman. He broke the Briton in the very first game and although he dropped his next serve, that was to be the only game he allowed his opponent.

The second set proceeded in much the same way. After a strong run last week, Henman's game left him in the final match, he made 30 unforced errors and only seven winners, holding serve just once in the second set.