PARIS - Rafael Nadal recaptured the French Open crown yesterday, gaining revenge over Robin Soderling with a 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 win and, in so doing, he also retook the world number one spot from Roger Federer.

PARIS - Rafael Nadal recaptured the French Open crown yesterday, gaining revenge over Robin Soderling with a 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 win and, in so doing, he also retook the world number one spot from Roger Federer.

Nadal was simply too powerful on clay for the Swede who 12 months ago ended the Spaniard's 31-match, four titles win streak in Paris in stunning fashion with a four sets, fourth round triumph.

The win, Nadal's fifth here since 2005, put him second on the all-time list of French Open winners, one behind Bjorn Borg.

It was also the second time he had won the French Open title without dropping a set, having first achieved that feat in 2008.

For Soderling it was another cruel finish to the tournament having defeated top seed and title-holder Roger Federer in the quarter-finals. Last year he beat top seed and title-holder Nadal, but lost to Federer in the final.

At 24, Nadal had won his seventh Grand Slam title joining the likes of John McEnroe, Mats Wilander and 1920s French legend Rene Lacoste.- Sapa-AFP