AFP - Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, the French fourth seed, won the 576,000 euros ATP tournament here on Sunday, defeating compatriot Michael Llodra 7-5, 7-6 (7/3).

World number 12 Tsonga added the win a fortnight after his success in the South African Tennis Open, living up to his pre-match status as favourite on the heels of his fine win over top-seeded world number three Serb Novak Djokovic in the semis.

But he had to labour for the victory as world number 50 Llodra, primarily known for his doubles skills, gave him a run for his money despite dropping serve at the outset.

Llodra broke back in the fourth game with some fine returns as he acrobatically rushed the net before getting his nose in front at 5-4 and Tsonga had to raise his game a notch before sneaking the crucial break in the 11th game with some barreling returns before taking the opening set.

The second set went with serve and it was Tsonga again who raised the bar in the tiebreaker, winning it 7-3 to take the match in 1hr 43min on his first match point as he pocketed his fourth title, Llodra not helping his own cause as he double faulted before lamentably missing a smash to give his rival three match points.

Tsonga promptly finished him off with his 11th ace before dedicating his win to his father, former handballer Didier, who had surgery during the week.