Japan's Ai Sugiyama claimed her fifth career WTA
Tour title by beating Russian Nadia Petrova in straight sets in Sunday's
Generali Ladies Linz final.
Sugiyama, second seed at this event, saw off Petrova 7-5 6-4 in a tight match
which lasted 81 minutes.
It is her second title of the year following victory over Kim Clijsters in
Scottsdale.
"I'm so happy to win here. I had a great preparation all week and my
discipline really paid off," Sugiyama said.
"It's a mental game out there. You have to be really tough on the important
points and every game was close.
"Nadia played really well too today. She's very strong and I had to use my
best weapon - my footwork - to be ready for every ball and be mentally tough."
The win sees Sugiyama stay 11th in the singles rankings, but raises her up a
place to eighth in the Tour Championship race - where she needs to stay if she
wants to compete in next months three million US dollar event in Los Angeles.
"I know I'm in a good position for the Championships now, so I just have to
focus and see what happens," Sugiyama added.
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