Third seed Elena Dementieva held off Jelena Jankovic to win the JP Morgan Chase Open on Sunday.

The Russian saw off the 16th-seeded Serbian 6-3 4-6 6-4 to capture her first title since winning in Tokyo in February.

Tournament promoters were hoping for a dream final between hometown hero Serena Williams of nearby Compton and top-seeded Maria Sharapova.

However, that was dashed when Dementieva upset an exhausted Sharapova and Jankovic ousted an equally weary Williams in two semi-final shocks.

Despite the lack of star power, the fans at Home Depot Center were treated to a slugfest.

Under sunny and breezy conditions, the 24-year-old Dementieva got off to a quick start against Jankovic, who was seeking her second career title.

After splitting sets, Dementieva raced out to a 5-0 lead in the third with a pair of service breaks.

But the 21-year-old Jankovic, who was treated for heat illness after the third game, refused to wilt.

She ran off the next four games, saving two match points in the ninth game to get back on serve.

Jankovic looked to level the set but fell behind, 15-40.

On her third match point, Dementieva cashed in with a cross court forehand winner to end the two and a half hour contest.

The match began with five service breaks in six games, with Dementieva opening a 4-2 lead.

The Russian broke again in the ninth game to win the first set.

Cheered on by a pocket of compatriots in a courtside box, Jankovic tightened up her game and took the second set after recording a key service break in the ninth game.