Czech Jiri Novak has toppled fourth-seed David Nalbandian in five sets in the final of the Swiss Indoors, winning the first indoor title of his career.

Novak overcame the towering Argentine 5-7 6-3 6-4 1-6 6-2 to collect his second title of the season and seventh overall.

It was Nalbandian's first defeat in three years in Basel, and the second trophy he has seen slip through his fingers.

After winning here in 2002, Nalbandian reached the final again last year but withdrew just before the match with an injured left wrist, leaving Guillermo Coria to win by walkover.

The defeat diminished Nalbandian's already slim chances of qualifying for the season-ending Tennis Masters Cup in Houston.

Nalbandian must win at this week's Paris Masters to keep his chances alive.

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