Hicham Arazi's first Masters Series final appearance ended in disappointment as Gustavo Kuerten won his second Monte Carlo title.

The second seed Brazilian beat his Moroccan opponent 6-3 6-2 6-4 in a one-sided match.

So much has long been expected of Arazi, whose stature as one of the game's best shot-makers is off-set by his inconsistency.

But Kuerten is a model of consistency on clay, his preferred surface, and efficiently swept to his third title of the season.

And in the build-up to next month's French Open, there looks to be only Andre Agassi in as good shape for a title tilt.

Adding power to his precision from the back of the court and closing down the net when the occasion called for such a move, Kuerten was rarely troubled by his 27-year-old opponent.

It proved one hurdle too many for Arazi, whose performances this week have lit up the event.

He began by downing Swedish third seed Magnus Norman in round one, followed that up by dumping out defending champion Cedric Pioline, ended Tim Henman's title hopes in the quarter-finals and then sent Sebastien Grosjean packing yesterday.

But Kuerten's title-winning experience proved decisive and he is undefeated in ATP tournaments this year, following his earlier wins at Buenos Aires and Acapulco.

"I made few mistakes and I am comfortable with the way I played," he said, but also gave credit to his opponent.

"He played a great tournament. The match was much closer than it looks. There were a couple of crucial games in the beginning."