Tim Henman had no excuses after throwing away a one-set lead to lose the ABN AMRO Trophy final to defending champion Nicolas Escude in Rotterdam.

The British number one pointed to the need to seize the opportunities that come his way, and was not afraid to criticise his own performance after his 3-6 7-6 (9-7) 6-4 defeat.

"It's a question of winning the important points. Nicolas plays better when he is behind," said Henman, adding: "I don't think I returned his second serve very well."

The defeat means Henman has now lost three finals in four years at the Rotterdam tournament, a fact that leaves the 27-year-old with mixed emotions.

"It's not a pleasant statistic but it shows I always play good tennis here," he said.

"I feel happy with the way I played this week and I got a lot of confidence I didn't know how I would play after being sick last week.

"But I'd love to win this tournament."

The victorious Escude, who claimed his first title of 2002, admitted that he went into the final more hoping, than expecting to win.

"I'm very happy. I was very tired today but I just decided to play my best and see what would happen," he said.

"After winning the tie-break it was easier for me. I tried to break him early in the third set and I did."

Henman took the first set 6-3 after breaking in the fourth and holding on to his remaining service games.

French Davis Cup hero Escude, who knocked Henman out of the Rotterdam tournament at the last-16 stage in 2001, had a chance to break back with his opponent serving for the set.

But number six seed Henman refused to panic and held his nerve to close out the set and gain a crucial early advantage.

Escude bounced back from losing the first set to Henman to level the match.

Things looked to be developing into a mirror image of the first as the Frenchman broke in the fourth game - the same point at which Henman struck earlier - and had the chance to serve out at 5-3.

But Escude's nerve wobbled and Henman leapt on his chance to break to love and put the set back on course for a tie-break.

It might not have got that far had Escude taken advantage of either of two break point opportunities at 6-5 up.

But when the tie-break did get under way it was Escude who proved the stronger, keeping his head when the score was poised at 7-7 to take the next two points and restore parity in the match.

Henman appeared to have come back into the match when he answered Escude's early break in the third to square the set at 4-4.

But Escude restored his advantage immediately before holding serve to retain his crown.