Germany's Rainer Schuettler claimed his second ATP title in a week with a straight-sets win over home player Arnaud Clement in the final of the Grand Prix de Tennis de Lyon.

Schuettler, top seed here, edged two closely-contested sets 7-5 6-3 to win his third ATP event, and secure a crucial 45 points in the Champions Race.

"I knew it was going to be a tough match because I watched a little of Arnaud's match Saturday (6-2 6-3 semi-final win over Thailand's Paradorn Srichaphan)," the German said.

"After I won the first set I felt pretty good. He was trying to put pressure on me but I was waiting for him to attack because passing shots are one of my strengths and luckily it was working.

"I know he likes to mix it up, play serve and volley. I liked it when he came close to the net because I could lob him and he had to guess what I was going to do with the ball."

Having already won in Tokyo last week Schuettler made the perfect start his latest final by taking a 3-0 lead in the opening set. But he then had to fight off a spirited comeback from Clement before finally taking it 7-5.

And the German always looked a step ahead of his opponent in the second set, displaying his greater power and variation to clinch it 6-3.

"It was a great atmosphere out there and the crowd was pulling for him," added Schuettler. "But I thought they were fair and I have been playing well under pressure all week, so I liked being out there.

"I've had a good year, but obviously it sounds better if you win titles. If you get to the late rounds, OK, it might be a good result but people don't really remember. But when you win titles, that's when people notice.

"I don't know if this was my best tennis but certainly I played well.

"The match was over two hours. Sure I'm tired but I felt good going into the match. My physio, Alex Stober, prepared me really well and fitness is one of my strong points.

"If I go out there, I'm going to focus all my energies and give it my best. There's no reason not to work hard during the match."

As for Clement, he remained positive despite the defeat, and was happy to acknowledge the better player won on the day.

"Physically Rainer Schuettler is a giant," stressed Clement. "He's quick on his legs, imposing and a great counter-puncher.

"During the match I never let down but he played the match of the week and it also seemed logical that he came out victorious.

"What I'm proud of is that I kept up my level of play. I won four matches this week, two of them playing well and two of them while not playing so well.

"It's a good sign to win matches when you aren't playing your best. Playing in France has been fantastic. It motivates you."