Defending champion Mariano Zabaleta picked up his third career title on Monday with a victory over fellow Argentinian Gaston Gaudio in the rain-delayed final of the Swedish Open.

The eighth-seeded Zabaleta notched a 6-1 4-6 7-6 (7/4) win over the second-seeded Gaudio, who had won his previous 13 matches - including a run to his first grand slam title at the French Open.

The 26-year-old Zabaleta was playing for the first time since losing in the second round of the French.

He joined Eric Sturgess, Budge Patty, Louis Ayala, Martin Mulligan, Bjorn Borg, Mats Wilander and Magnus Gustafsson as repeat champions here.

Zabaleta's only other title came at Bogota in 1998.

The 25-year-old Gaudio was seeking his fourth career crown.

He had taken time out following his glory at Roland Garros, where he beat countryman Guillermo Coria in the final.

Zabaleta and Gaudio have known each other since they were children and played in the same club in Buenos Aires. They now have split four ATP meetings 2-2.

The final was scheduled for Sunday, but was pushed back when rain washed out play on Saturday and delayed the semi-finals.

It was the second time in the tournament's history that the final had been played on a Monday. Thierry Tulasne beat Anders Jarryd in a Monday final in 1981.