Thousands in a sellout crowd of 10,000 had been cheering the popular Spaniard on as he became the de facto fan favourite after the quarterfinal exit of top Thai Paradorn Srichaphan.

But the underrated Dent, whose big serve is beginning to be backed up by solid play at the net, spoiled the scenario at the Impact arena.

The eighth seed lifted his second title of the season and third of his career with the win in one hour, 40 minutes.

Ferrero heads back to Spain while Dent takes off for next week's event in Moscow leaving Bangkok with a locked-in spot on the ATP calendar after the success of the inaugural edition of the tournament.

Ferrero, whose previous three trophies this season have all come on clay, was unable to storm back after Dent won the opening set, levelling in the second but losing in a deciding tie-breaker as the American put a winning return down the line to seal victory.

"I got a bit lucky and snuck out this win," said Dent.

"Juan Carlos is the world Number one and I'm glad I was able to beat him today. This is a bit of a surprise."

Ferrero was playing in his sixth final of the season while Dent is now two-for-two in 2003 title matches as he levels his series with Ferrero at one win each.

Ferrero, a heavy crowd favourite after the tearful quarter-final exit of Thai hero Paradorn Srichaphan, got off to a steady start but failed to impose his game on the eager American.

Dent went up a break for 4-2, forcing Ferrero to play catch-up. The Spaniard forced Dent to save a break point a game later with an overhead from Ferrero's backhand winner down the line.

But despite a Ferrero hold for 3-5, Dent claimed the opening set after just 39 minutes from another stinging service winner.

The 22-year-old American made good on his earlier effort, starting the second set with a break of serve as a defensive Ferrero backhand lob landed beyond the baseline.

Dent salvaged another break point as Ferrero pressed, but couldn't budge the 88-kg American. Dent reached a 4-2 lead then moved into match-winning position with two break points on the Ferrero serve.

The Spaniard saved them both but wasted a game point with a wild return before recovering to hold, 3-4. Dent again came under pressure, forced to save another pair of break points as Ferrero struggled to get back into contention.