David Ferrer claimed his first title of the year on Sunday by defeating Nicolas Almagro in the final of the Valencia Open.

By defeating his fellow Spaniard 4-6 6-2 7-6 (7/2), the top-seeded Ferrer ended the Almagro's bid for a third straight title in Valencia.

Fifth seed Almagro also was seeking his third claycourt title of the year and fifth overall. However, he failed in that bid as he fell to 0-4 in all meetings with Ferrer, who is ranked fifth in the world.

The latest win the series for Ferrer was a thrilling one as he rallied from a 2-5 deficit in the third set.

Ferrer overcame 11 aces from Almagro to claim his sixth career title in two hours and five minutes.

"It just feels incredible to have won at home. It was the toughest tournament of my life," Ferrer said.

"At 5-2 down in the third set I just stayed focused, fought really hard and I'm happy for having came through."

"I had the title so close," Almagro said. "I feel like someone stole the title from me.

"I still have a lot to learn. I think I have improved a lot in these first months of the season."