Kuerten wins Masters Cup

In doing so, he deprived Russia’s Marat Safin of the chance to become the youngest ever season-ending No 1 at the age of 20 and became the first South American to end the year in pole position.

The 24-year-old Kuerten, who picked up $ 1.4 million for his win in Lisbon, finished the season on 839 points compared with 824 for Safin, who lost to Agassi in the semi-finals.

‘‘It’s just an unbelievable feeling. The vibrations, the energy I’m so happy,’’ gasped Kuerten before wrapping himself in the Brazilian flag.

Agassi gave the Brazilian warm praise but said his own game had been off beam. ‘‘It didn’t help getting off to a bad start losing my serve. Every time I had an opportunity he came up with a shot. On the big points he stepped it up today. ‘‘This is your day,’’ he told Kuerten.

The Brazilian, inspired by the overwhelming support of an 11,000 crowd, had lost to Agassi in his opening round robin encounter but turned the tables to lift his 10th career title and his fifth of the year, scoring his fourth win over Agassi in nine meetings.

Kuerten grabbed top spot after a marathon year in which the tour comprised 69 tournaments but in which the final spoils were claimed right at the wire.

Kuerten, hampered by a hamstring strain when he lost to Agassi in their meeting last Tuesday, had, after a titanic semi-final struggle against Pete Sampras.