GREG Rusedski's hopes of a pre-Wimbledon tournament victory were dashed when he lost in the final of the Boodles Challenge at Stoke Park on Sunday.

The Briton went down in straight sets to Fernando Gonzalez, with the match going with serve throughout.

Gonzalez, seeded 21 at Wimbledon, gained the upper hand in both tie-breaks to win his first Boodles Challenge.

The two players are scheduled to meet in the 3rd Round at SW19, and both players were upbeat about their chances.

Rusedski said: "I've got a good chance to do well, Fernando and I are due to meet in the third round, maybe I can get one back on him."

Gonzalez, from Chile, said: "I've enjoyed all of the matches this week. It's the third time I have come here, I always have really good preparation and such a great time."

This was Rusedski's first appearance at The Boodles Challenge and he clearly enjoyed the intimacy of the event: He said: "It's a great week of preparation. I got three good matches and I am looking forward to the Championships."