Tennis: Morocco's Arazi loses Monte Carlo final

Morocco's Hicham Arazi on Sunday lost in three straight sets (3-6, 2-6, 4-6) to Brazil's Gustavo Kuerton in the final of $ 2.95-million masters series tournament of Monte Carlo.

The Moroccan, who marked his strongest participation in a world tournament ousting forerunners Cedric Piolin and Gorsjean of France, was outclassed by Kuerton, whose play was mainly a tactical one.

"I was very solid today, because I know that against Hicham you should not relax," said the Brazilian.

After Monte Carlo, Hicham, who jumped from number 54 to number 20 in the world ATP ranking, will concentrate on upcoming tournaments, where he wants to consolidate his comeback.

"I will now rest and think of what I achieved to start again with more self-confidence," he said after Sunday's final.

According to French press, Arazi, a fine technician, made the finest game of the tournament in his quarterfinal against Britain's Tim Henman, whom he beat: 7-6, 2-6, 7-6.