JIM COURIER.

LOS ANGELES, July 28: Sixth-Seeded Jim Courier got what he likes even more than the world number one ranking when he hammered second-seeded Thomas Enqvist 6-4 6-4 yesterday to win the $303,000 Infiniti Open.

The 26-year-old American, currently ranked 29th in the world, held the top spot for 58 weeks in 1992-93.

Courier won his 21st career title but only his second of the year after capturing Doha in January.

``I feel very solid about the way I played this week,'' said Courier. ``It's a question of consistency. One week doesn't make it. I have to follow through with things I've been doing this week to continue to give myself good results and keep on climbing.''

Courier's sizzling ground game was too much for the eighth-ranked Swede, who was denied his 12th career title following a two-month layoff with torn tendons in his left foot.

``It was hit or be hit against him,'' said Courier, who improved to 5-1 lifetime over the Swede.

Enqvist was hurt by a rash of mistakes. He was out-hit 24-18 in winners and made 30 unforced errors to his opponent's 18 during the one-hour 27-minute match.

``You have to play aggressive to beat Jim,'' said the Swede, who collected $25,300. ``I had a good game plan but made too many mistakes. When you go into a tournament, you go to win. It's tough for me to accept. It was two close sets but Jim was the better player today.''

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.