General / Editor / 18 March 2007 /

Hantuchova hands Russian defeat to clinch second Tour title

Daniela Hantuchova ended her five-year title drought with a straight sets victory over Svetlana Kuznetsova in the final of the Pacific Life Open in Indian Wells.

The 23-year-old Slovakian got off to a flying start by breaking straight away to lead 2-0 in the first set at Indian Wells - the scene of her only other WTA Tour success in 2002.

Her Russian opponent, the number two seed, broke back but Hantuchova struck again to clinch the first set, before rattling off a single-break second set to seal the 6-3 6-4 win in 83 minutes.

"This is even sweeter, just the feeling of being able to win the same tournament," said the victorious 14th seed.
"I know people have been saying that I haven't won a tournament since 2002, but if I had a choice I would much rather pick this one than some little tournament."

Kuznetsova will go to next week's Sony Ericsson Open in Miami, where she is the defending champion, with the confidence she gained at Indian Wells slightly dented by the manner of her surrender in the final.

Check Betfair's markets and Match Odds for the Miami tournament throughout next week.

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