Ferrer claims second Bastad title

Bastad, Sweden – David Ferrer beat fellow Spaniard Nicolas Almagro in straight sets Sunday to capture the title at the clay-court Swedish Open.

The top seed handled the second-seeded Almagro in 6-2, 6-2 fashion in 67 minutes.

Ferrer, the 2007 Bastad champion and last year's runner-up, joined world No. 1 Roger Federer with a tour-leading five titles in 2012. He also triumphed at Auckland, Buenos Aires, Acapulco and s-Hertogenbosch.

Sunday's win upped his record to 16-15 in career finals, 9-10 on clay.

"It has been the best season of my career," said Ferrer. "I have never done this well and I am very happy for that. I work hard, I always fight every match and every year I try and improve on my game."

The 30-year-old and world No. 5 Ferrer remains unbeaten in 11 matches against the 26-year-old Almagro. The former defeated the latter in the 2007 Swedish Open final.

Almagro, who titled here two years ago, appeared in his fourth final of the season. He won in Sao Paulo and Nice, while finishing as the runner- up to Ferrer in Buenos Aires.