Koubek on top of world after victory

Stefan Koubek of Austria defeated the American Jan-Michael Gambill in straight sets on Saturday to win the Qatar Open final, the first event on the 2003 ATP Tour.

With his 6-4, 6-4 win, Koubek collected 50 ATP Tour points, which will put him on top of the world rankings when they are released today.

The win was Koubek's second in four meetings with Gambill.

The American started the match well, opening with an ace and taking a quick 2-1 lead. But it was all Koubek thereafter as the 26-year-old Austrian, relying on good shot placement, overcame a stuttering start to break Gambill's serve in the fifth game and win the first set in 32 minutes.

Gambill fought hard in the second set, but Koubek's service break in the first game and superior court coverage settled the issue in the Austrian's favour, winning the set in 37 minutes.

"It is an unbelievable feeling to be the new world No 1," Koubek said. "I never thought that I'd come here and become the world's best player, let alone win this event."

Saturday's title win was Koubek's first since beating Gambill in the Delray Beach final in 2000. Gambill's last title win was at the Delray Beach in 2001.

Koubek will now travel to New Zealand for a tournament there as a warm-up for the Australian Open beginning on 13 January in Melbourne, where he reached the semi-finals last year.

The Qatar Open is the first of 65 events on the 2003 ATP calendar, which ends with the prestigious Tennis Masters Cup in Houston, Texas, in November.