Nikkei climbs 2.2 pct on bank optimism, earnings eyed

TOKYO, July 14 (Reuters) - Japan's Nikkei average gained 2.2 percent on Tuesday, buoyed by exporters such as Sony Corp (6758.T) after bullish analyst comments boosted confidence about the U.S. financial sector.

The benchmark Nikkei .N225 advanced 201.05 points to 9,251.38. It slid 2.6 percent the previous day to hit its lowest finish since May 18 and for its ninth day of falls. It lost 9.1 percent over that nine-day period.

The broader Topix rose 1.9 percent to 868.54. (Reporting by Aiko Hayashi)