Tokyo: World number one Roger Federer overpowered Britain's Tim Henman 6-3 6-3 with ruthless efficiency to win the Japan Open on Sunday, his ninth title of the year.
The stylish Swiss needed just 67 minutes to see off close friend Henman, forcing the 10th seed into a wild forehand on his third match point after a devastating performance in Tokyo.
"I beat Tim at Wimbledon and the US Open this year but I thought this might be the most dangerous one," a jubilant Federer said after his sixth straight victory over Henman.
"It's over three sets and the surface is fast. It was fantastic. I had to come up with some great passing shots at the right time."
Henman gifted Federer his first break with three straight double faults in the sixth game and the top seed closed out the first set by slamming his fifth ace past the Briton.
Playing for the first time in Japan, Federer broke again to edge ahead 2-1 in the second set and never let Henman back in the match as the 25-year-old stormed to his 42nd career title.
Henman Meltdown
The nine-times grand slam singles champion said Henman's meltdown in the sixth game had all but decided the final.
"I guess if you look at it very harshly that cost him the match," said Federer, who improved his win-loss record for the year to 77-5.
"It's like giving it away. If he wants to win that's just a thing he can't do. Those three double faults definitely gave me the first set. It gave me a cushion and put the pressure on Tim."
Federer improved his record in finals to 42 wins in 55 appearances, giving him the best win-loss ratio in Open era history.
Henman played his part in a high-quality encounter in his first final since losing to Federer at Indian Wells in 2004 but never seriously threatened to cause an upset.
"I'm not the first guy to lose to Roger and I won't be the last," said the former British number one. "I tried to mix it up as much as possible but he was able to come up with phenomenal passing shots.
"It's definitely been a fantastic week for me with the level I've played. It's great motivation and to be back in a big final is fantastic."
Henman won the last of his 11 career titles at the Paris Masters in 2003.
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