Ferrer beats Dolgopolov for third Valencia title

Spaniard David Ferrer gave the home fans something to cheer Sunday when he lifted the Valencia Open title for the third time after a 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 win over Ukraine's Alexandr Dolgopolov to bag his sixth crown of the year. Ferrer, who hails from nearby Alicante on Spain's east coast and who also had runs to the semi-finals of Roland Garros and the US Open, made it six wins from seven season finals, although 21st-ranked Dolgopolov made him work. "It's always very difficult to play at home. I knew it would be more difficult to win the title again. He's a very talented opponent. I played aggressively and it went well for me," said Ferrer, the 2008 and 2010 champion in Valencia. "I want to dedicate the victory to Juan Carlos Ferrero (the former world number one who played his last tournament) on his farewell. He has given me the opportunity to grow as a person and as a player." A break in the fourth game set Ferrer on his way in the opening set, finished off with a service game to love. But Dolgopolov pocketed a swift break as he raced 3-0 clear in the second set and maintained his advantage to level the contest. In a tight decider, Dolgopolov had two break chances but Ferrer dug in as he finally converted for a 4-3 lead, whereupon Dolgopolov began to commit too many forced errors as he saw his challenge fall away.