Roger Federer has defeated Rafael Nadal in straight sets to win the Shanghai Masters title.

The Swiss at his brilliant best was far too good for his old rival with the world number one going down in straight sets 6-4 6-3 in just an hour and 12 minutes.

The victory, a 15th of his career over the Spaniard and a fourth of 2017, makes it 94 career titles for the 36-year-old and ends Nadal's 16-match winning streak this year.

Roger Federer at Wimbledon Show all 8 1 /8 Roger Federer at Wimbledon Roger Federer at Wimbledon 2003 Federer's maiden crown came after beating Mark Philippoussis in the final Getty Roger Federer at Wimbledon 2004 He defended his title beating American Andy Roddick Getty Roger Federer at Wimbledon 2005 He would go on to defeat Roddick again in 2005 Getty Roger Federer at Wimbledon 2006 Federer beat Spain's Rafa Nadal in the final as part of a career-best year Getty Roger Federer at Wimbledon 2007 Federer outlasted Nadal in an instant classic to secure his fifth All England title Getty Roger Federer at Wimbledon 2009 Federer broke Pete Sampras' record with his 15th Grand Slam title beating Roddick in a five-set thriller Getty Roger Federer at Wimbledon 2012 Federer beat a tearful Andy Murray in 2012 to make it seven at SW19 Getty Roger Federer at Wimbledon 2017 Federer returned at 35-years-old to see off Marin Cilic of Croatia to pick up a record-breaking eighth title Getty

Federer was made to work for his place in Sunday's showpiece after coming through a tough test against Argentina's Juan Martin del Potro in the semi-finals.

But there were no such problems for the world number two against Nadal and his early break set the tone for a crushing win.

Federer secured his early service hold with three aces and an unreturned serve before winning the opening set in 35 minutes. The Swiss then broke in the fifth game of the second set after Nadal pushed a backhand wide.

Federer, the 19-time slam champion, held to love in the ensuing game before sealing his 94th career title with his third break of the match.

Federer defeated his old rival in an hour and 12 minutes (Getty)

"I played a great match today with hardly any mistakes," said Federer, who has now secured five consecutive victories against Nadal for the first time in their long-standing rivalry. "It was very clear for me how I had to play and I was able to do it for the one hour and 12 minutes that I was out there.