Indian Aces take IPTL title despite defeat

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The Aces were already assured of top spot after the Royals suffered an upset at the hands of Singapore Slammers in Dubai on Friday, but failed to cap their successful campaign with a victory - losing 29-15.

The match got off to a promising start for the Aces as Ana Ivanovic triumphed 6-5 over Kristina Mladenovic, before Nenad Zimonjic and Mladenovic claimed a 6-2 mixed doubles victory over Rohan Bopanna and Sania Mirza to wrestle back the lead for the Royals.

Zimonjic and Goran Ivanisevic won the men's doubles by the same scoreline against Gael Monfils and Cedric Pioline, and the Croat emerged as victor in a battle between the two veterans.

Novak Djokovic thumped Monfils 6-0 in the tournament-closing clash, but it was in vain as the Aces got their hands on the trophy with a two-point cushion at the top.

In the day's other clash, Manila Mavericks posted a convincing 30-15 victory over basement side the Slammers.

Mark Philippoussis edged compatriot Pat Rafter 6-5 in the opener, but that was about as close as the Slammers came to getting the better of their opponents.

Tomas Berdych was no match for Philipp Kohlschreiber, who registered a 6-2 victory over the Czech, before Daniel Nestor and Kirsten Flipkens thumped Nick Kyrgios and Daniela Hantuchova 6-1.

Bruno Soares and Lleyton Hewitt put up more of a fight as they lost the men's doubles 6-4 to Nestor and Kohlschreiber, but Flipkens capped a convincing performance with a 6-3 win against Hantuchova.

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