Frenchman Llodra Stops Soderling Run for Rotterdam Crown

France's Michael Llodra became the unlikely second two-time title winner of 2008 after defeated Swede Robin Soderling 6-7(3), 6-3, 7-6(4) at the Rotterdam World Tennis Tournament.

Andy Murray is the only other player to win two titles in 2008.

Llodra came back from a set down and overcame back problems that required medical treatment.

It was the third career title for Llodra, and second after Adelaide in January.

"I came here this week and saw the draw and knew it would be difficult," Llodra said. "It is unbelievable I'm standing here with the trophy...After losing the first set and surviving two break points in the opening game of the second one, I have the feeling I played one of my best matches on the tour."

Soderling said the match was decided almost by a coin flip.

"In a match like this a few points decide everything," Soderling said. "Michael played really well on the important points and he deserved to win. I made a few bad mistakes in the two games he broke me and maybe I didn't play my best tennis during those games."

Rafael Nadal, Nikolay Davydenko and the remainder of the seeds all exited the event before the quarterfinals.