Top-seeded Ana Ivanovic won her first title of the season on Sunday, defeating Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova in the final of the Pacific Life Open.

The 20-year-old Serb beat the second-seeded Kuznetsova 6-4 6-3 in 81 minutes to claim the sixth title of her career and fortify her place at number two in the world rankings.

Ivanovic was making her second championship match appearance of the season, having finished as runner-up to Maria Sharapova at the Australian Open.

On the other hand, Kuznetsova is still looking for her first title of the year after previously falling in the finals at Sydney and Dubai. She was also the runner-up here last year to Daniela Hantuchova.

Ivanovic captured the first set by earning the only break in game nine.

The players traded early breaks in the second set before Ivanovic rallied to win the last four games.

Kuznetsova entered the final having posted her biggest win of the year Friday when she defeated Maria Sharapova 6-3 5-7 6-2 in the semi-finals of this hardcourt event.

Ivanovic booked her place in the final with a 7-6 (7-3) 6-3 triumph over fellow Serbian Jelena Jankovic, the third seed.