Kim Clijsters, in only her second tournament of the year after returning from injury, defeated Lindsay Davenport 6-4 4-6 6-2 in the final of the WTA Pacific Life Open in Indian Wells.

The Belgian has never lost to the 28-year-old American in six career meetings in her native California, including a two wins in the final here.

It was the first title in 13 months for Clijsters, the former world number one, who missed eight months last year following wrist surgery.

Davenport, the current world number one and top seed, lost in the final here for the third straight year, and all three defeats have come to Belgians.

Last year, she fell to Justine Henin-Hardenne, who did not get a chance to defend her title because of a knee injury.

Davenport started well against Clijsters, capturing the first four games of the match to extend her streak of games won to 24.

But then she inexplicably fell apart as Clijsters reeled off seven straight games.

Davenport regrouped to take the second set 6-4, but Clijsters broke at 3-2 in the final set and coasted to victory.