Sampras Wins His First PowerShares Series Title of the Season at Champions Challenge in Detroit

DETROIT, MI (Oct. 18, 2012) – Pete Sampras rebounded nicely from a tough loss in Chicago and used his powerful service game to capture the Champions Challenge at the Palace of Auburn Hills Thursday night, with an 8-4 triumph over Ivan Lendl in the championship match.   It was Sampras’ first victory of the season in his second appearance, following his hard-fought loss to John McEnroe in the final of the PowerShares QQQ Challenge in Chicago Wednesday night, as he began defense of his title and top ranking from the 2011 Champions Series.   The 14-time Grand Slam champ earned 400 points for the victory, and now sits in a second place tie with Jim Courier in the 2012 PowerShares Series rankings.   “Ivan was my hero growing up, so I really enjoyed playing him tonight,” said Sampras, who hadn’t made an appearance in the Motor City since his days playing as a teenager on the amateur circuit. “He still hits the ball well and was very tough out there. Playing in these events is a lot of fun ...