BANGALORE, India, Feb. 2 (UPI) -- Ellis Ferreira of South Africa and American Rick Leach endured a rain dealy Saturday and posted a four-set victory over brothers-in-law Petr Pala and Pavel Vizner in the final of the World Doubles Challenge Cup.
Ferreira and Leach captured their ninth career title with a 6-7 (8-6), 7-6 (7-2), 6-4, 6-4 victory over the Czechs and split the $72,000 first prize.
"I felt we had a lot of chances to win that first set, we had a bunch of break points," Ferreira said. "Even though we lost the first set, I felt we were definitely in the match and capable of winning."
Ferreira and Leach defeated Wimbeldon champions Donald Johnson and Jared Palmer on Thursday and knocked off Mark Knowles and Brian MacPhie in the semifinals.
"The second set was very pivotal," Leach said. "If we lost the second set, it's a long road ahead to win three straight sets. We kind of built off the tiebreak in the second set."
Pala and Vizner had cruised to a 6-4, 6-1 victory over Americans Donald Johnson and Jared Palmer in the semifinals after handing the Indian team of Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi just their second ATP doubles loss, 7-6 (8-6), 7-5, on Thursday.
"The day before we almost didn't miss a shot, so everyone was expecting from us." Pala said. "On crucial shots (Ferreira and Leach) hit unbelievable shots."
