Federer is the first man to win the Doha title three times

World number two Roger Federer began the 2011 season in style by beating Nikolay Davydenko to win the Qatar Open for the third time.

The 29-year-old Swiss came through 6-3 6-4 to claim the 67th title of his career, and gain revenge for defeat by Davydenko in last year's semi-finals.

Federer will now head to the Australian Open in confident mood as he looks to win a 17th Grand Slam title.

"It does feel great," said the 2005 and 2006 Doha champion.

"I cant believe the season is under way and I'm already on the board with a title."

Davydenko had beaten a below-par Rafael Nadal in the semi-finals but struggled to contain Federer from the outset, falling 3-0 down and doing well to save another six break points as the Swiss took the first set.

606: DEBATE He hasn't lost his serve all week, I believe, and never even went to deuce in his last 3 matches!!! Tenez

The second set was a tighter affair but a ruthless Federer took advantage of the first break point that came his way at 4-4 and served out to regain the title.

"When he's (Davydenko) on, he's easily top 10 if not top five potentially, and that's why this is obviously a huge win, because I thought he was playing well," Federer added.

"I thought the level of play was extremely high. I was almost flawless, and I was able to play offensively when I needed to, and when I wanted to it all worked out. So I'm really pleased with such a great final."

Davydenko has now lost 15 of his 17 matches against Federer, and said: "Today he was tough.

"He gave me no chance on the return, and also he was returning good. His first serve was very good. My tennis is OK, really. I don't want to say I played bad today."

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