Kim Clijsters battled back from a set down to beat Jennifer Capriati 4-6 6-4 6-2 in the final of the Bank of the West Classic in California.

The second-seeded Belgian finally overpowered Capriati in one hour 55 minutes to win her fifth title of the year.

The third seed had won her first three encounters with Clijsters - including their thrilling 2001 French Open final, which featured a 12-10 third set.

But the last four meetings have gone three sets, with Clijsters winning the last two.

"You don't really start thinking how long you're going to play," Clijsters said. "It's true, in the past we've had so many long matches and always long rallies.

"It's very satisfying to win matches like this, not only the mental part, but physically."

The 20-year-old Belgian took over the WTA Tour lead in tournament victories - one more than top-ranked Serena Williams and French Open champion Justine Henin-Hardenne.

"The biggest change in my game has been consistency," added Clijsters, who has reached the semi-finals in all 12 events she has entered this season.

Clijsters took a 3-0 lead in the first set but was broken twice, losing her serve in the ninth game with three backhand errors.

Serving for the set at 5-4, Capriati hit a cross-court backhand winner for the fifth deuce of the game before Clijsters made two straight unforced errors.

In the second set, the Belgian gained the decisive break in the 10th game when she set up set point with a backhand volley winner before Capriati put a forehand into the net.

Clijsters raised her game in the deciding set, while Capriati was weakened by an ailing right shoulder that required trainer Lisa Austin's attention after the first set.

"I don't know what happened," Capriati said. "I felt it after a couple of serves maybe it's some tension.

"I think it's OK, I'm going to see the doctor and see what he says and see how it feels."

Clijsters ran out to a 4-0 lead and collected her 15th career win when Capriati double-faulted on match point.

"I get the feeling of what it feels like to play against myself when playing her," Capriati added. "I got a little bit tired in the third set.

"It was a good tactic on her part in hitting for the angles."