Americans Paul Goldstein and Andy Roddick made up for disappointment in the singles tournament, teaming up to seize the XL Capital Bermuda Open doubles crown over the Japanese/South African combination of Thomas Shimada and Grant Stafford yesterday.

The tennis version of `human pinball' presented breakneck action for the packed house at Coral Beach Club, as the quartet battled furiously, with Roddick and Goldstein ending on the positive side of a 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 result.

"It does make up for going out early in the singles. We were obviously looking for better results in singles, but this absolutely makes up for it and this beautiful Waterford Crystal is just fantastic,'' said Goldstein, who split a winners cheque of $6,200 with his partner.

"The best part about it is that I lost on Monday, but the doubles gave me a chance to hang out in Bermuda for a whole week.'' Losing was a distinct possibility for Goldstein yesterday as well, especially after Shimada and Stafford took the first set.

However, the second set revealed an entirely different scenario, with Roddick and Goldstein stamping their authority through solid team play.

A break of Shimada in game six proved enough to give them the set and draw level.

Another break in the third and fifth games of the final set assured celebrations for the Americans, while ending all hope for Stafford and Shimada.

"They played well in the first set, but we never got down or anything, we kept plugging,'' said Goldstein. "I think it was a matter of getting accustomed to the conditions a little bit, getting onto their serve and we got off to a good start in the second set.

"We can be streaky with our returns and we found that rhythm and the momentum and that gave us a big cushion in the third set which enabled us to win.

Meanwhile, all four paid tribute to the tournament organisers and Bermuda in general during the prize presentation, Shimada, in particular, noting it to have been a great experience.

"It's been my first time to Bermuda and everyone told me this would be the best Challenger of the year.

"I can say that not only is it the best Challenger of the year, but one of the best tournaments on the calendar and everyone associated should be very proud of what they done this week,'' said Shimada before turning his attention to rising star Roddick. "Andy this is twice in the last month that you have beaten me in the final and I guess my name now is `catapult' for your career.

"Maybe I'll be a trivia quiz answer one of these days, so I guess I can take some pleasure in that.''