Victory was sweet for the 29-year-old, the last local to win the title here in 2000.

Johansson's comeback win capped a 2004 rehabilitation effort after the 2002 Australian Open champion missed all of last season after knee surgery.

The win in one hour, 52 minutes was the eighth of Johansson's career and his first against Agassi after six previous defeats.

Agassi, the top seed, had been aiming to become just the seventh player in history to win 60 singles titles, and he had looked like the favourite given his past record against Swedes.

Only one Swede out of the 22 he had previously played, Peter Lundgren, current coach of Marat Safin - holds a winning record against the American idol, winning the pair's lone match-up in Indianapolis, 1990.

"Thomas was too good today," said Agassi, still in the chase to qualify for a Masters Cup place next month.

"He hit too many good shots, his game was too strong.

"He played better for two of the three sets, the result was deserving. He did everything really well."

Johansson improved to 29-20 this season as he constructed his fight-back effort in one hour, 52 minutes.

Agassi, with only four unforced errors in the 29-minute opening set, looked like taking charge.

The American top seed went up a break for 4-2, then withstood a love game of his opponent's racket to remain 5-3.

Johansson, now back inside the ranking top 50, had a sniff at a break of Agassi as he grabbed a 40-15 lead in the ninth game.

But a timely ace and a Johansson error meant the danger passed with Agassi securing the first set moments later.

Johansson thrilled a standing-room only crowd packed into the Kungligahallen as he earned a break against Agassi to open a 2-0 lead in the second set.

But far from rolling over in front of the public at his home club, Johansson rose to the occasion in the second set.

The Swede raced away for 4-0 as Agassi's game began to crack. With Johansson coming to within a point of 5-0, the American began to react.

Agassi scored a break to get on the scoreboard 1-5, forcing Johansson to ace the seventh game, 5-2.

The veteran challenger earned two match points, converting on the first to square the match at a set each.

Johansson broke to start the final set, but lost it as Agassi recovered for 4-4.

With both men hammering winners to all corners, the contest tightened as a deciding tie-breaker loomed.

Johansson took a 4-1 lead before Agassi brought the struggle back towards equilibrium. But Johansson earned three match points when the American netted a backhand.

Agassi saved the first with a passing shot but couldn't touch the 17th ace which the Swede hammered over for victory.