The top-seeded Nalbandian took the opening set, then dropped his first set of the tournament before finishing off a 6-2, 5-7, 6-3 win.

Nalbandian has nine titles in his ATP career, two this season. He also won in Buenos Aires in February.

"I think I played a very solid match today," Nalbandian said. "I did have some chances to win in the second set but at that moment I didn't play so well. Robin is a tough opponent. All our matches are very tight and this time it wasn't different. He hits the ball very hard all the time so I had to play my best to beat him."

Soderling was the event's No. 4 seed.

"It is hard to play Nalbandian," he said. "He takes the ball early and this doesn't match up so well with my style of play."