In the women's event, Russian pin-up Maria Sharapova captured her first WTA title when she beat Aniko Kapros of Hungary 2-6, 6-2, 7-6 (7/5), adding to her first doubles title with Thailand's Tamarine Tanasugarn Saturday.

Schuettler, the Australian Open finalist, tamed Grosjean's occasional serve-and-volley game with a series of baseline winners to score a 7-6 (7/5), 6-2 victory.

It was third time lucky for the German after two runners-up spots this year, and his first victory over Grosjean in three attempts at major tournaments.

"It was great. I enjoyed playing in the final and it was my first tournament victory this year, so I really enjoyed it. It was fun to play in Tokyo," Shuettler said.

"Now, I have a very good chance. I've always been dreaming about playing in the Masters Cup. I played already in the Grand Slam final, but the Masters Cup is definitely my dream. I would be very proud if I could play."

Grosjean got off to a flying start by breaking Shuettler in the opening game. However, it would be his last break of the match.

The Frenchman gifted his opponent the first set with three consecutive mistakes on his favoured forehand at the end of the tie-breaker.

Shuettler then went a break up in the opening game of the second set and never looked back to close out the set 6-2.

"In the first set definitely to win the tie-breaker was the biggest step and then I played better in the second set, and he had more pressure. He had to go for the shots so he missed a couple of balls," Shuettler said.

The win takes Schuettler's career tally to three titles following his victories at Shanghai in September 2001 and Doha in 1999.

"I had many chances in the first set. I broke him in the first game and even in the tie-break I was 5-3 up and then I missed three points in a row," Grosjean said.

"....he played better. Rainer was seeded number one and has had a great year, so it was a tough match today," added Grosjean.