Unheralded qualifier Santiago Ventura has triumphed in his first-ever ATP Tour event.

Ventura was the surprise winner of the Grand Prix Hassan II claycourt event after holding off top-seeded Dominik Hrbaty of Slovakia, winning 6-3 1-6 6-4 on Saturday.

The 24-year-old Spaniard was playing in his first ATP event after spending his career in the lower levels of tennis.

He needed to win eight straight matches here, including three in qualifying, in order to become the first qualifier to capture a title since Hyung-Taik Lee at 2004 Sydney.

"I can't believe it," Ventura said.

"Before this week, I didn't believe in my chances of winning an ATP tournament."

Ventura also became the third Spanish winner here in the last six years, joining Alberto Martin (1999) and Fernando Vicente (2000).

Hrbaty was looking for his fourth title of the year after triumphing at Adelaide, Auckland and Marseille.

It would have tied world number one Roger Federer for the ATP lead this season.

"I think he probably didn't play his best today," said Ventura.

Hrbaty concurred.

"I missed more than usual," he observed.