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| 18 Dec 2009 | |
| Lapentti receives top award in Ecuador |
 After his Davis Cup by BNP Paribas heroics in September, Nicolas Lapentti has been named Sportsman of the Year in Ecuador. The award was decided by a poll in El Universo newspaper.
He received the award at the traditional Champions dinner at Oro Verde hotel in Guayaquil. Liga Deportiva Universitaria de Quito football team was also recognised for winning the Copa Sudamericana
Lapentti was Ecuador’s hero in the World Group play-offs against Brazil. He won his opening two matches before clinching the vital point, defeating Marcos Daniel 64 64 16 26 86.
Ecuador will now compete in the World Group first round against Croatia in March, its first appearance in the top division for nine years.
Lapentti, who has won 13 five-set matches in Davis Cup play, more than any other player, had planned to retire at the end of 2009. However, he has now decided to continue playing to spearhead Ecuador’s Davis Cup campaign in 2010.
Lapentti reached a career high world ranking of No. 6 in 1999. He has won five singles titles and three doubles titles. His best Grand Slam performance came at the Australian Open in 1999 when he was a semifinalist.
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