Monaco claims Houston crown

Juan Monaco captured his fifth ATP Tour title following a 6-2 3-6 6-3 victory over John Isner at the US Men's Clay Court Championship.

The clay-court specialist Monaco, who triumphed on the red dirt in Vina del Mar in February, secured another ATP 250 crown on Sunday.

Despite the defeat, Isner becomes the top-ranked American player as he climbs to ninth in the world, leapfrogging compatriot Mardy Fish who was ousted in the second round.

Monaco, who lost both of their previous meetings on hard court, coped with Isner's main weapon, his serve, impressively to break twice in the first set on his favoured surface.

The American's serve was far more effective in the second as he recorded five of his eight aces and levelled matters with a solitary break.

However, it was the Argentinian who claimed the only break in the decider at 4-3, before serving the match out to secure the fifth title of his career and a career-high ranking of 13.