BEIJING, Oct. 16 (Xinhuanet) -- American James Blake ran hismatch record at the Stockholm Open to 10 straight wins Sunday, defeating Jarkko Nieminen 6-4, 6-2 todefend the title he won last year.

The second-seeded American became the first player since Thomas Enqvist in 1996 to defend his title at the Royal Tennis Hall.

"I'm really happy that I did get a chance to defend. I've never done it successfully before," Blake said after receiving the winner's trophy from Bjorn Borg. "I'm proud of the accomplishment. I beat some pretty darn good players this week."

It was the fifth ATP title of the season for Blake, tying him for second with Rafael Nadal. Only Roger Federer (nine) has won more.

The championship also improved Blake'schances of participating in the season-ending Tennis Masters Cup next month in Shanghai. He is sixth in the standings with 410 points, with the top eight qualifying.

Nieminen, seeded fifth, lost the final for the second time. Sjeng Schalken beat the Finn in 2001. He was coming off a tough semifinal that went to three tiebreakers.

"I don't know if it was fatigue," Blake said. "I don't know if it was me kind of playing kind of well and winning all those big points. He's generally a mentally tough player."

Blake won the first set in 32 minutes after breaking Nieminen's serve twice.

The second set lasted only 23 minutes. Blake broke in the first game, then added another break to lead 4-1 when Nieminen netted a volley. Enditem

(Agencies)