Grigor Dimitrov ends six-year title drought with Brisbane International trophy

The Bulgarian second seed saw off Danish top seed Rune 7-6(5) 6-4 in just over two-and-a-quarter hours.

It was a ninth career title for Dimitrov, who last triumphed at the ATP Finals in 2017, a year in which he also won the Brisbane International.

The 32-year-old said in quotes on atptour.com: "It's been a while since I held one of these, it's a bit emotional.

"It's a great start to the year and we have a lot to build on. Hopefully, we can go one step further at the Australian Open."

Dimitrov revealed his parents had had to leave the final early to catch a flight home, saying: "I told them goodbye before the match and I was checking the clock a few times to see if I would finish the match a little earlier but unfortunately it was not that easy."

Meanwhile, top seed Andrey Rublev secured his 15th tour-level title with a 6-4 6-4 victory over Emil Ruusuvuori in the Hong Kong Open final.

READ MORE: Rafael Nadal withdraws from Australian Open due to injury