Ivanonic beats Kuznetsova in Indian Wells final

By Mark Lamport-Stokes

INDIAN WELLS, California (Reuters) - Serb Ana Ivanovic clinched her first WTA title of the year by hammering Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-4 6-3 in the Pacific Life Open final on Sunday.

The 20-year-old top seed from Belgrade broke Kuznetsova, the second seed, three times in the second set to wrap up victory in one hour 21 minutes at Indian Wells Tennis Garden.

After dominating a first set of quality shot-making with sparkling forehands, Ivanovic held the edge in an error-prone second before sealing the title by hitting a service return winner.

It was the sixth WTA success of Ivanovic's career and Kuznetsova's third loss in a final this season.

"It's a great victory for me," a beaming Ivanovic told reporters, having squealed in delight after securing the first Masters Series title of the year and beating the Russian for a fifth time in six meetings.

"When I managed to break her at four-all in the first set, it gave me confidence and I went strong from that point on.

"I was most happy about my aggressiveness today," added the Serb, who hit 30 winners to Kuznetsova's 14.

"I was staying low and taking my opportunities, knowing that when she would hit the short ball I would try to attack and take away time from her.