Mantilla masters Argentine challenge

Mantilla's victory was his ninth career title

Felix Mantilla won his first ATP title of the season with a straight-sets win over David Nalbandian at the Sicily International.

The Spaniard beat the 19-year-old Argentine 7-6 6-4 for his ninth career title.

Mantilla showed more consistency than Nalbandian, who was eventually worn down by the Spaniard's strong baseline game.

It was the first tournament win in two years for the 27-year-old, who has had problems with a back injury in recent seasons.

Nalbandian had beaten Mantilla twice this season but was unable to add his opponent to the list of four Spaniards he has beaten in the Palermo event.

Now I think I'm capable of getting back into the top 10

Felix Mantilla

Mantilla himself had sneaked through his semi-final against Albert Portas after saving nine match points.

"If I haven't won tournaments recently it's not because my tennis has got worse," said Mantilla.

"It's just that my back had bothered me and prevented me from playing as well as I would have liked.

"Now I think I'm capable of getting back into the top 10," said the Spaniard, who is currently ranked 54 in the world.

Nalbandian admitted he felt weary towards the end of the final, which lasted one hour 49 minutes.

"I was a bit tired and it affected the rhythm of my game a bit," he said.

"In the end, only a few shots decided the game, but on all of those Mantilla played better and took the opportunity."