Doha, Jan 6 (IANS): Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut earned his first 2019 title and the ninth of his career, defeating Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 in the Qatar Open final.

Bautista Agut needed nearly two hours here on Saturday to clinch his third win over the former top-10 player in their seventh career match and successfully culminate his Qatar Open run that saw him ousting world No. 1 Novak Djokovic of Serbia in the semi-final, reports Efe.

Berdych was making his first tournament appearance since June 2018 - when he lost to Frenchman Julien Benneteau in the Queen's round-of-32 - after recovering from a back injury.

In his first final in nearly two years, Berdych conceded his service game in the seventh game of the first set and a few games later the Spaniard proceeded to take a one-set lead.

The second set was a fresh start for the 33-year-old Berdych, who burst into a 4-1 advantage and never looked back as he drew level at one set apiece, forcing a decider.

But Berdych then seemed to run out of steam as Bautista Agut built on a 4-1 lead to run away with the title.