by Wade Townsend

Vladimir Samsonov (BLR) has been crowned Men’s Singles champion at the Seamaster 2017 Australian Open after defeating Simon Gauzy (FRA).

Before the tournament kicked off Samsonov said that he didn’t think he was a real chance for the title. Modesty? Or was just being a realist?

“Before the event I had a feeling I wasn’t in good form. But after the first game and the second game I kept playing better and better.” Vladimir Samsonov

The no.4 seed certainly hit his stride.

Gauzy tried to resist and came on to the court like a bull out of a gate. He led for the majority of the first game. But there was some hesitation as he had the chance to close it out. Samsonov brought the game to 10-10. Gauzy took the game but his confidence seemed diminished while the extra points meant the Belorussian had found his rhythm.

From then on in Samsonov was on the right side of all the points. Missing wasn’t an option.

In the fifth game the frustration from the Frenchman was visible as he kept coming up against brick wall blocks and blistering backhand counters

“I think today I played fantastically. It was a great match and tough game.” Vladimir Samsonov

After match point Samsonov leapt in to the air and roared. Winning title number 27 looked as sweet the first.

“Im 41 years old and I think that it’s great that I can still compete!” Vladimir Samsonov

The legend continues to grow.