Having lost last year's final to world number one Roger Federer, the 21-year-old Czech took the first set 7-5, saving two break points, and then proved too strong to win the second 6-4, in the one hour 20 minute long final which proved a miserable 22nd birthday for his opponent.

It was Berdych's third ATP title and the Czech punched the air after victory gave him the 96,000 euros winner's cheque.

Having been in great form all week, Wimbledon semifinalist Baghdatis had little to celebrate on his birthday as Berdych totally dominated him in the second set and used his strong serve to smash five aces.

With Berdych serving for the match, crowd-favourite Baghdatis rallied, but the Czech never looked like letting his iron-grip slip.

Berdych, ranked 13th in the world, had a walk-over in Friday's quarter-final after Russian Mikhail Youzhny pulled out on Thursday with a back injury, and beat Finland's Jarkko Nieminen in straight sets in Saturday's semifinal.

In contrast, Baghdatis, 18th on the ATP rankings, had a tougher run to the final, although neither seed encountered another top eight player before Sunday.

Twice Baghdatis had to beat both his opponent and the passionate Halle crowd when he took out German number three Florian Mayer in straight sets in Friday's quarterfinal and then repeated the feat against number two German, and local favourite, Philipp Kohlschreiber, in Saturday's semifinal.