DUBAI - Caroline Wozniacki, who takes over from Kim Clijsters as world No 1 again in Monday's new WTA ranking list, celebrated with the 13th title of her career, the Dubai Open, on Sunday after outplaying Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-1, 6-3.

Denmark's Wozniacki turned in her fifth solid performance of the week against Kuznetsova, even though the former US and French Open champion had previously been showing signs of revival after more than six months in the doldrums.

Wozniacki broke serve at once for 2-0, and although she played one indifferent game, broke twice more to capture a one-sided first set in only half an hour.

Kuznetsova only briefly threatened a fightback as she broke serve when Wozniacki tried to close the match out at 5-2, but made far too many unforced errors to trouble the athletic, consistent Dane.

"I was very happy with my performance," Wozniacki said. "I went for my shots and I am definitely playing better than I have before."

There was no doubt that her triumph felt like a part-atonement for her Melbourne disappointment, which had contributed to the temporary loss of the No 1 ranking.

"I was already back on the court the day afterwards," Wozniacki said. "There were a few things I wasn't happy about. I worked hard and I knew that if I just keep working hard, and I take my chances, my time will come. And I'm back here playing well."

Kuznetsova, who will return to somewhere just outside the top 10, her highest ranking since the French Open in June, took the setback all in her stride.

She had previously made clear why she has more often been able to treat life's ups and downs with a relaxed attitude.

"You know, sometimes I think, so I win or lose, what happens? What changes? The world wouldn't change, she said. "If I have more or less points or money in my pocket, it's not going to change me.

"I want to be somewhere in the top of the game. But health, family, not having any terror attacks in countries - those are the important things in life."

Agence France-Presse

(China Daily 02/22/2011 page23)