Sports

Auckland, New Zealand (Sports Network) - Top-seeded world No. 5 David Ferrer made easy work of Olivier Rochus on Saturday to take the title of the Heineken Open, a final hardcourt Australian Open tuneup.

The Spaniard earned his third career Auckland title in a match that was delayed by rain in the first set before Ferrer dispatched Belgium's Rochus 6-3, 6-4 at ASB Tennis Centre.

Ferrer reeled off nine aces and converted 3-of-4 break opportunities en route to his 12th career title.

He collected $71,900 with the victory.