M. Kasnikowski outlasted H. Barton 5-7, 6-4, 7-5 in the Tampere, Finland Men Singles, sealing victory on his fourth break point of a decisive third set. The Pole won five of twelve break opportunities overall and saved 77% of his own, while Barton managed just two breaks from twelve chances.
The opening set saw four breaks in the first six games, with Barton edging ahead on his third break point at 5-5 to take it 7-5. Kasnikowski steadied in the second, breaking Barton in the first game and holding serve comfortably to level. The decider followed a similar pattern: Kasnikowski broke for 2-1, Barton broke straight back at 2-2, but Kasnikowski struck again at 5-5 - converting his first break point of that return game - and served out to love.
Kasnikowski's serve proved crucial under pressure: he saved all four break points in the second set and seven of nine across the match. Barton, despite hitting seven aces, could only convert two of his twelve break points, with five of his six chances in the third set going begging.