Gilles Simon overcame Dudi Sela in a classic three-hour second round encounter at the Indian Wells Masters.
After the first 11 games had gone with serve, the Frenchman wrapped up the first set with a break in an epic game 12, in which both players has multiple game points.
Simon broke midway through the second and then consolidated, leaving him just one game away from victory with a 5-2 lead.
The Israeli incredibly fought back and, after levelling the set at 5-5 and 6-6, won the tie-break 8-6 to force a decider.
Dudi went ahead for the first time in the match early in the final set, as a break in game four looked to have put him in firm control.
The world number 13's response was instant though and, after breaking straight back, he broke again in game nine before holding his serve for a memorable 7-5 6-7 6-4 win.
Robert Summerscales
