Pouille powers to second career title
A straight-sets victory over the in-form Aljaz Bedene sealed a second ATP Tour title for Lucas Pouille.
Lucas Pouille secured his second ATP Tour title by storming to a straight-sets victory over Aljaz Bedene in the Hungarian Open final.
Pouille had won the only other encounter between the pair, but Bedene came into the contest on a 16-match winning streak.
However, it was Pouille who dominated in Budapest, following up his run to the semi-finals in Monte Carlo in fine fashion with a 6-3 6-1 success.
Qualifier Bedene is yet to win a title on the ATP Tour, having now lost his only two final appearances.
"I feel very happy with the way I started the clay season. To win here gives me a lot of confidence for the future," Pouille said.
"It's been a great week and it was nice to see the French supporters in the crowd.
"My goal for the next few tournaments is to be at 200 per cent of my capacity, so I will do everything I can to be ready."
Meanwhile, Bedene said: "I'm a little disappointed because I had problems with my finger and felt uncomfortable hitting my shots.
"I wasn't close to the level I should be at to beat Lucas, but he was playing really well. It was like everything went in for him.
"If I'm going to lose to anyone, it should be against someone who is a good player and a good person, which Lucas is."