Seventh-seeded Russian Igor Andreev shook off a second-set collapse to claim his first ATP Tour title at the Open de Tenis Comunidad Valencia on Sunday.

Playing in his third career final, Andreev defeated local favourite and fifth seed David Ferrer 6-3 5-7 6-3.

"I'm really happy, I can't believe it," said Andreev, who became the first non-Spaniard to win in three events here. "Tomorrow when I'm more relaxed I will think about it."

Andreev, who suffered losses to Roger Federer and Jose Acasuso in his first two finals last year, was within one game of a straight-set victory at 5-4.

Ferrer rallied to win three straight games, however, and appeared to have the momentum heading into the decisive set.

But the 21-year-old Andreev re-established control by breaking Ferrer four times in the third set to improve to 11-9 in 2005.

He broke Ferrer's serve eight times overall to win the clay court event in two hours and nine minutes.

"From the first point it was a really tough match," Andreev said. "I'm happy I kept my head cool and came out in the third set playing great tennis."

It was the third straight triumph over a Spaniard for Andreev, who defeated third seed Rafael Nadal in the quarter-finals Friday before dispatching qualifier Ivan Navarro Pastor in Saturday's semi-finals. He also ousted Spanish wild card Fernando Vicente in the first round.

Ferrer was in search of his second career ATP Tour title but fell to 1-3 in ATP Tour finals.

"Andreev played at a really high level today and I was unable to impose my game," Ferrer said.

"He was able to dictate play and all the credit to him for winning the title.

"I'm sad I didn't win but at least one of my friends won."