Bammer defeats Dulko to land first tour title

PATTAYA, Thailand, Feb 11 (Reuters) Austrian Sybille Bammer launched a stunning late fightback to win her first tour title today with a 7-5 3-6 7-5 victory over Gisela Dulko at the Pattaya Open.

With Dulko dictating the play in the final two sets, the 26-year-old survived three match points to climb back into contention for her first title in 11 years on the WTA tour.

''It was a very tough match,'' Bammer said. ''I was very lucky to win today.'' The Austrian took the first set after a nervy start from both players, with sixth seed Dulko dropping four service games and Bammer losing three.

Bammer made the early headway in the second set with a 2-0 lead before the tenacious Argentine pulled back three games, chasing every ball and forcing her opponent into a string of errors.

Dulko continued to pile on the pressure in the deciding set with powerful forehand returns and delicate drop shots and looked set to run away with the match.

But Bammer launched an amazing comeback and turned the match around to win the final set 7-5.

REUTERS DH KN1738