Third-seeded Stanislas Wawrinka overcame Xavier Malisse in three sets to start the new season by winning the $450,000 ATP Chennai Open title on Sunday. The Swiss world number 21 survived a mid-match lapse in concentration to outclass the 60th-ranked Belgian 7-5, 4-6, 6-1 in two hours and 14 minutes at the Nungambakkam Tennis stadium.
Wawrinka's third career title earned him $68,000 and 250 points as he made amends for the loss to Marin Cilic of Croatia in last year's final in the southern Indian city.
It was a disappointing result for Malisse, who appeared to touch good form through the week but faltered at the last hurdle to remain without a title since February, 2007.
Wawrinka, the number two Swiss player behind Roger Federer, served and volleyed superbly, taking advantage of his rival's hesitant backhand play.
"Of course I am happy to start the year well and win after losing in the final last year," the 25-year-old said.
"I had a good match against Berdych and again today. I have played better as the tournament went on and this will give me confidence for the Australian Open."
The opening game lasted nine minutes as Wawrinka saved three break points before conceding the lead, but Malisse negated the advantage after being broken in the eighth game to make it 4-4.
Wawrinka, who stunned top seed and world number six Tomas Berdych in the semi-final on Saturday, broke the Belgian again in the 12th game to take the first set in an hour and three minutes.
Wawrinka served four aces in the second set, but still allowed Malisse to crawl back into the match with just one break in the third game.