Agassi was looking to win the championship for a fifth time but was powerless to resist a revitalised Rusedski, who has remodelled his game over the winter.

"In 1999, I had a lot of injuries and now I'm taking better care of myself," Rusedski said. "I just hope that in the big tournaments I can come through."

Rusedski fired down 13 aces for his 10th career title, and only his second on US soil. It was his second career victory in five matches against Agassi, both of them having come at this tournament.

"When I woke up, I felt really confident," Rusedski said. "I knew what I had to do.

"My plan was to stay back and that kind of surprised him. I used a lot of top spin from my backhand."

Rusedski lost only one set on the way to his first title since capturing the Vienna crown in October of 1999.

After a number of injuries last season, he has bounced back with a 14-5 record in 2001, including victories over world number one Gustavo Kuerten of Brazil at the Australian Open and number two Marat Safin of Russia last month in Milan.

Rusedski reached the 1997 final here but suffered a wrist injury against Pete Sampras and had to retire.

He inflicted the first loss of the year upon Agassi after 11 wins in a row. The American was seeking his fifth San Jose title after wins in 1990, 1993, 1995 and 1998.

Rusedski gained the early break at love in the fourth game for a 3-1 advantage in the opening set and served it out in the ninth game. He produced 17 winners in the set.

Agassi got himself in further trouble in the first game of the second set as he fell behind love-40 on his serve before hitting a backhand wide two points later to give Rusedski the break.

"Once he got up on a break, the finish line was in sight," Agassi said. "He started with his backcourt game and really just connected throughout the match.

"He had control the whole time. There was not much you can do."

The only mild threat Agassi mounted on Rusedski's serve came in the eighth game of the second set, when Rusedski fell behind 15-30.

But Rusedski came back to hold serve for a 5-3 lead, firing an ace on game point.

Two games later, he set up match point with his 13th ace and wrapped up the title with a forehand winner.