TOKYO (REUTERS) - Local hero Kei Nishikori claimed his second Japan Open tennis title on Sunday, overcoming Canadian Milos Raonic 7-6 (7-5), 4-6, 6-4 in the final.

The US Open finalist clinched the first set via a tie-break before the big-serving Raonic, who sent down 22 aces in the match compared to his opponent's one, roared back into the contest to force a decider.

The pair held firm on their serve until Nishikori got a crucial break in the 10th game to repeat the outcome of the 2012 Tokyo final in 2hr 12min.

This was Raonic's third successive defeat in the final of the tournament, while the win put Nishikori fifth in the race to the season-ending ATP Finals in London which will feature the top eight players.