By Erik Gudris | Sunday, September 28, 2014

Japan's Kei Nishikori earned his third career title at the Malaysian Open in Kuala Lumpur over an opponent hoping to taste victory in a final.

Julien Benneteau of France returned to the Kuala Lumpur final for a third straight year in a row. His goal - win his first ever ATP singles title after going 0-9 in past career finals including last year at the event.

Benneteau jumped out to an early break lead in the opening set. Yet the Frenchman could not maintain his momentum as top seed Nishikori went on to win the set in a tiebreak. Nishikori took control in the second set, with a total 72 percent serving during the day.

The recent US Open finalist soon wrapped up the 7-6(4), 6-4 victory.

Kuala Lumpur is now Nishikori's third title this season. The win also extended his lead in seventh place for qualification contention for the upcoming ATP Tour finals in London. Nishikori is aiming to become the first Asian player to compete at the year-end eight-man event.