Lindsay Davenport defeated fellow American Venus Williams to win her third Bank of the West Classic title in Stanford, California.

Davenport, the second seed, just edged a thrilling encounter 7-6 (7/4) 5-7 7-6 (7-4) against the top seed.

The third-set tie-breaker was level at 3-3 when Davenport ripped a forehand winner down the line.

Williams hit forehands into the net on the next two points to fall behind 6-3 and, after Davenport netted a backhand, Williams hit a backhand long to end the match.

Davenport won the title here against Williams in 1998 and 1999 before Williams reversed the result the following year. Williams also won the title here two years ago against Kim Clijsters.