Intro:

Top seed Kei Nishikori lands his third ATP World Tour title of the season by defeating Julien Benneteau 7-6(4) 6-4 in the Malaysian Open final.

Script:

Kei Nishikori put his US Open disappointment behind him by claiming the Malaysian Open on Sunday.

Playing in his first tournament since losing the final at Flushing Meadows, Nishikori defeated Julien Benneteau 7-6 6-4.

Despite dropping serve in the third game of the match, the Japanese broke back before eventually taking the tie-breaker.

The second set became a procession after Benneteau was broken midway through.

The Frenchman was contesting his third straight Malaysian Open decider.

Victory at this ATP World Tour 250 indoor hard-court tournament earns Nishikori a net 170 points in the Emirates ATP Race To London, which extends his lead over seventh-placed David Ferrer.

Nishikori surged into contention to qualify for the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals after reaching his maiden Grand Slam final at the US Open. The 24-year-old is hoping to become the first Asian man to compete at the season finale