Roger Federer cruised to his fourth Masters Cup title after a comprehensive 6-2 6-3 6-2 victory over David Ferrer.
The world number one outclassed his in-form Spanish opponent in just 98 minutes in the final in Shanghai with a series of impressive groundstrokes.
Federer was troubled once in the fifth game of the second set but cast aside the blip to win his 53rd career title.
"I always knew I had great defensive skills and I showed it again with great offensive skill," said Federer.
Ferrer has been the revelation of the tournament, the sixth seed had boasted an unbeaten record prior to the final.
However the 25-year-old had never beaten Federer in seven previous encounters, a factor which weighed heavily on his mind.
The match began in the worst possible way for Ferrer as Federer broke his serve twice to wrap up the set in just 26 minutes.
606: DEBATE
The Spaniard began the second in more confident fashion, but unforced errors on serve in the seventh game handed the initiative back to Federer, who broke Ferrer's next service game to claim the set.
Ferrer looked increasingly dejected as the Swiss star continued to fire down unreturnable serves and conjure winners from nowhere in the third.
And Federer clinched his second successive Masters Cup with a thumping forehand winner.
"I've always had a tendency to go on streaks - I surprise myself at times," said Federer, who demolished his closest rival Rafael Nadal 6-4 6-1 on Saturday.
"When it all comes together in a final like today, it's fantastic."
Only three other players in history - Ilie Nastase, Ivan Lendl and Pete Sampras - have won the season-ending finale four or more times.
But Ferrer, who beat Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic on his path to the final, believes Federer is the best of the lot.
"He's not just number one, he's the best in history. He has 12 Grand Slams and I'm sure he'll get the record (14)."
"He can do it all. He serves very well, he has a very good forehand and backhand. He has no weak points.
"I was never comfortable on the court. I don't return badly but when Federer serves on line, I can't do anything."
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