Fabio Fognini saved three match points before going on to beat Federico Delbonis 4-6 7-6(8) 6-2 in the ATP Hamburg final.
It was the second title in as many weeks for the Italian after he won in Stuttgart last weekend.
It had looked like being storybook triumph for world number 114 Delbonis who had the biggest win of his career against Roger Federer in the semi-final.
The Argentine qualifier won the opening set after saving five breaks points before converting with his only opportunity.
He was also a break up in the second but Fognini fought back and brought it to a nail-biting tie-break.
There the Italian saved three match points before going on to take it 10-8.
That seemed to bury Delbonis mentally as Fognini won the first four games of the decider before going on to take it 6.2.
