Paes-Damm, Maria win US Open titles

Leander Paes won his first men's doubles title at a grand slam in five years by wresting the US Open crown with Martin Damm of the Czech Republic here on Saturday.

Paes and Damm scored a shock 6-7 (5-7), 6-4, 6-3 victory over second seeds Jonas Bjorkman of Sweden and Max Mirnyi of Belarus in the final at the Flushing Meadows.

Paes, 33, last registered a grand slam triumph in 2001 at the French Open with Mahesh Bhupathi with whom he also won the French Open and the Wimbledon in 1999.

This is also Damm's first-ever major title. Paes has also won three mixed doubles titles in grand slams.

Paes and Damm pocketed $400,000 as winner's prize money.

Maria Sharapova won the US Open by defeating Justine Henin-Hardenne 6-4 6-4 to win her second grand slam title.