Stan Wawrinka denied Benoit Paire the biggest win of his career with a comfortable victory in the Japan Open final.
The Swiss took all four break-point opportunities on his way to a 6-2 6-4 success and his fourth ATP Tour title of the season.
Paire, whose leg was heavily strapped from the outset, broke once in the first set but was never in contention for just a second Tour title and his first in the 500 series of events.
The Frenchman upset defending champion and home favourite Kei Nishikori in the semi-finals but came into the final with a 1-4 losing record against his good friend Wawrinka.
And the world No 4 took just 65 minutes to improve that head-to-head stat in a match played under cover in a rainy Tokyo.
Wawrinka has already qualified for the season-ending Tour finals along with Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and Roger Federer, and he revealed afterwards he knew Paire was struggling with injury
"I feel great, it's been a really good week for me to win a title again, something always special," said Wawrinka.
"You don't win a title every week. It's always difficult when I play a good friend like Benoit. I knew before the match he was struggling a bit physically, but I saw the doctor who told me Benoit was ready to play.
"I played my best game today. I felt the ball well and was aggressive. I am very happy to have the trophy tonight."
Paire added: "It was not easy, when I woke up this morning I could not walk. I was not sure if I could play today.
"One hour before the match it was very painful, so I asked: 'What can we do?' I spoke with the doctor and physiotherapist and we made something for my foot.
"I couldn't feel anything in my foot, but I tried to do all I could to play the match and win. It's harsh, but I could not defend on points. Stan played a very good match and congratulations to him. It's bad luck for me."
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