Rusedski lets the Kremlin Cup slip out of his grasp

Greg Rusedski blew three match points in the deciding set as Nikolay Davydenko staged a brilliant escape act to capture the Kremlin Cup.

Competing in Moscow for the first time since playing there as a Canadian in 1994, Rusedski was on the brink of his 16th tournament title but eventually went down to his Russian opponent 3-6, 6-3, 7-5.

"I had match points and I guess it was supposed to be his week," the British No1 said.

Rusedski had Davydenko in deep trouble when the Russian was serving at 5-4 down, with two break points against him.

Unable to capitalise on either opportunity, Rusedski needed to put in an immaculate service game but he fell apart as Davydenko charged to 40-love lead, and although two break points went by the wayside, the third was snaffled up and he led 6-5.

"That's the way it goes sometimes," added Rusedski, who still earned £60,000 and moved back into the top 60. "My aim was to win this tournament and I'm obviously disappointed having wasted three match points."

Davydenko's victory completed a Russian double, Anastasia Myskina prevailing in the women's final against Elena Dementieva.