Istomin takes Chengdu title as injury forces Baghdatis retirement
Denis Istomin lifted the Chengdu Open trophy after Marcos Baghdatis was forced to retire through injury in Sunday's final.
Trailing 3-2 in the opening set, Baghdatis slumped to the floor in clear distress after serving at 15-30.
The 32-year-old was quickly comforted by his opponent, who placed a towel under Baghdatis' head as the Cypriot was attended to by a physio.
It was soon clear that Baghdatis, who had been seeking his first title since 2010, was unable to continue, meaning Istomin was crowned the champion in an anti-climactic end to the tournament.
The Chengdu Open's official Twitter account later attributed Baghdatis' retirement to a back injury.
<script></script>Denis Istomin def. Marcos Baghdatis 32 Ret'd. Baghdatis retired due to a back problem. pic.twitter.com/1k7atHJjja
— Chengdu Open (@ChengduOpen) October 1, 2017
Istomin is now a two-time winner on the ATP World Tour, this latest triumph following his breakthrough tournament victory in Nottingham two years ago.