Kiwi wins Heineken Open doubles final

Marcus Daniell celebrates his win, which will push his doubles ranking from 670 to about 220. Photo / NZPA

Marcus Daniell has become the first New Zealander to win an ATP tennis final in 11 years.

Daniell and his Romanian partner Horia Tecau beat the Brazilian pair Marcelo Melo and Bruno Soares in two sets, 7-5 6-4.

In a tight first set, Daniell and Tecau broke Soares' serve in the 11th game, and Daniell served out the set after going 0-30 down.

Daniell and Tecau broke Melo's serve in the fifth game of the second set, and Tecau served out the match to love.

Daniell and Tecau will pick up US$19,500 and 250 ATP rankings points for their victory.

It will push Daniell's doubles ranking up from 670 to about 220.

Daniell became the first New Zealander to win an ATP final since James Greenhalgh won a doubles title in Hong Kong in 1999.

The last New Zealander to win a title at Auckland was Brett Steven, who won the doubles with Pat Galbraith in 1998.

- NZHERALD STAFF and NZPA