Mario Ancic's search for a first ATP title finally came to an end on Sunday.

The third-seeded Croatian defeated defending champion Michael Llodra of France, 7-5 6-4, in the men's final of the Ordina Open grasscourt event in Holland.

Despite being ranked 21st in the world, Ancic was appearing in just his third career final, having also reached the last two in Milan last year and Scottsdale in February, where he lost in straight sets to Australian Wayne Arthurs.

Facing Llodra for the first time in three years, Ancic beat the Frenchman in straight sets to improve to 27-14 in 2005.

The victory was also a perfect lead-in to Wimbledon for the 21-year-old, who reached the semi-finals there last year.

Ancic, who will face Tobias Summerer of Germany as the number 10 seed in the first round of Wimbledon on Monday, said afterwards: "It's a great feeling! Today was my third final, which adds a little bit extra to it.

"In my first final I lost 7-6 in the third, my second final was this year in Scottsdale. I was really focused today to get one title under my belt. I knew the feeling after my first two finals.

"I'm very satisfied with the way I played and winning my first title. It's a relief! I've been practising a lot in Amsterdam so it's very nice to win here in Holland."

Llodra, meanwhile, was seeking to become the third player to successfully defend the Ordina title, joining three-time winner Patrick Rafter of Australia and local favourite Sjeng Schalken.

"Of course you are disappointed when losing in a final but Mario played too well," Llodra said.

"It was difficult for me to return his serve. Every time I had an opportunity he hit a big serve.

"It was impressive how he served today. It was difficult to read the direction of the ball. He put too much pressure on me during all the match."

In the women's competition, eighth seed Klara Koukalova defeated Czech Lucie Safarova, 3-6 6-2 6-2, on Saturday to win the title.