Qualifier Alejandro Tabilo has prevailed in the final of the ASB Classic to claim his maiden ATP Tour victory.
The world No. 82 locked up a 6-2 7-5 win over Japan's Taro Daniel on Saturday to complete a remarkable run to the title in Auckland, becoming the first qualifier in a decade to take out the tournament.
The Chilean bolted to a shock win over Frenchman Arthur Fils to book his second finals appearance on tour, then - riding his thunderous forehand - backed that up with a comprehensive performance against Daniel.
Tabilo's bid for the title evolved so suddenly his coach was forced to apply for an emergency Visa to jump over the ditch, where he was awaiting his charge for next week's Australian Open.
"It honestly feels surreal right now," Tabilo said during his on-court interview.
"So happy. Very emotional... never thought we were going to be here in the final."
After the pair traded blows to start the contest, Tabilo struck the first blow, earning a break point in the sixth game to take a 4-2 edge in the opening set.
He consolidated that lead in the following game, before clinching another break of serve to close out the set in just 35 minutes.
Daniel ensured the second set was much more competitive, the two laying on some lengthy rallies as the standard of tennis lifted markedly.
Much to the delight of the Stanley St crowd, both players refused, until Tabilo outlasted his opponent in a torrid battle to claim a late break, before clinching the set and the match two games later.
"I can't really explain what I am feeling right now," added Tabilo. "It is unbelievable and I never expected this week to happen like this.
"It has been a lot of work with my team, a lot of rehab and recovery with all the injuries. We have been trying to get back up and we had an opportunity two years ago. I knew all the work we had put in is now showing.
"My team had a good play and he brought what we thought and were able to play our game today and it all worked out."
In the men's doubles showpiece, Dutchman Wesley Koolhof and Croatian Nikola Metic overcame Spain's Marcelo Granollers and Argentine Horacio Zeballos in the super-set to claim the spoils, emerging 6-3 6-7 10-7 victors.
