Amelie Mauresmo beat Kim Clijsters 6-4, 7-6 in the Diamond Games final on Sunday, becoming the first player to win the event's diamond-studded racket estimated to be worth one million euros (674,000 pounds).

The racket was awarded to the top seed from France for collecting three consecutive Antwerp titles.

World number three Mauresmo also beat the second-seeded Belgian in last year's final.

Sunday's match was Clijsters's last competitive appearance on home soil as she plans to quit at the end of the season.

Mauresmo's victory was overshadowed by the ill-feeling shown by a 15,000 sell-out crowd who questioned a number of line calls, notably the Frenchwoman's penultimate point in the tiebreak.

"It's a bit difficult for me now because I know you are all very disappointed," Mauresmo told the crowd.

"I am sorry. I understand, Kim is a great champion."

Clijsters, choking back the tears on an emotional afternoon, was full of praise for the champion.

"Enjoy the beautiful racket, you deserve it and I am sure it will find a nice place in your house," she said. "You always play well here and you are a terrific player."

Clijsters was on the back foot in a match littered with double faults, unforced errors and wayward volleys.

The 23-year-old Belgian lost her opening service game before breaking back in the fourth game. But her serve soon let her down again as Mauresmo took the first set.

The second set was close throughout, both players breaking serve twice.

Clijsters fought back from two break points down in the tiebreak to level at 4-4 before Mauresmo won three points in a row.