Protests flare at French Open A masked, flare-wielding protestor halted the French Open final in Paris after he leapt onto the court in a demonstration against France's same-sex marriage law. The French Open men's final was held up by a flare-carrying protester on Sunday, who came within just a few feet of defending champion Rafael Nadal, to demonstrate against France's same-sex marriage law. The match between Nadal and David Ferrer was in the second set when a shirtless spectator, wearing a white mask, leapt from the stands and onto the court brandishing a flare before he was wrestled away by security officials. The protester had the words "Childrens Rights" written across his chest in English. ""I felt scared at first,"" admitted Nadal. ""I saw a guy with some fire. I say thanks to the security guys who did an amazing job and were very courageous."" Nadal went onto to win the final, 6-3 6-2 6-3, and become the first man to win the same grand slam title eight times. Ferrer, who had been at the far side of the court, said he had been unconcerned over the incident. ""I didn't lose my focus,"" said the 31-year-old, playing in his first major final. He then added with a smile: ""I think Rafa was a little scared."" Shortly before the flare-carrying spectator had burst onto the court, two other protesters, sitting high up in the stands, were ejected after holding up play by brandishing a banner with a slogan protesting the same sex marriage law that was voted into law last month amid widespread opposition. A French activist group called ""Hommen"," who oppose same-sex marriage, later claimed responsibility for the protest. ""We will never give up defending the institution of marriage and the future of our children. We will fight till the end,"" the group said in a press statement. A police spokesman later told AFP that 12 people had been arrested. French Open tournament director Gilbert Ysern praised quick-thinking security staff as well as the reaction of the players. ""It is always regrettable,"" said Ysern. ""It did not last long because we saw that our security immediately handled the situation."" On the Suzanne Lenglen Court, in what was a co-ordinated demonstration, another protester, also semi-naked and with a white mask, carried a banner demanding the resignation of French president Francois Hollande. Paul Sheehan: Suicide a wake-up call for France