Tennis: Venus wins third title of the year

New Zealand's Michael Venus has won his third doubles title of the year, taking out the US$50,000 Challenger at Winnetka, Illinois. Photo/Mark McKeown.

New Zealand's Michael Venus has won his third doubles title of the year when he combined with his Indian partner to win the US$50,000 Challenger at Winnetka, Illinois.

Venus and Yuki Bhambri beat third seeds Somdev Devverman (India) and Jack Sock (United States) 2-6 6-2 10-8 for the title. It is Venus' third doubles title of the year after winning two Futures tournaments, but his first Challenger title of his career.

New Zealand No 1 Rubin Statham also won a doubles title, securing the Futures event at Kashiwa in Japan with local Hiroki Kondo. The pair beat local players Toshihide Matsui and Bumpei Sato 6-4 6-2 in the final.

This week Statham and fellow Kiwi Artem Sitak are in the main draw of the US$75,000 Challenger at Beijing.