• WTA Championships

Kvitova conquers Azarenka in Istanbul

Petra Kvitova recovered from a second-set slump © PA Photos

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Petra Kvitova claimed the title at the season-ending WTA Championships by beating Victoria Azarenka over three sets in Istanbul.

Wimbledon champion Kvitova needed two hours and 28 minutes to overcome her determined opponent 7-5 4-6 6-3 .

The victory means that Kvitova, who began the year outside the world's top 30, will now move ahead of Maria Sharapova to claim the No. 2 ranking.

Kvitova motored into a 5-0 lead at the start of the opening set until, belatedly, Azarenka got a foothold in the game. And when she arrived, she did so in style - winning the next five games to tie matters up in a bizarre opening to the match.

The momentum shifted again, Kvitova taking the next two games, but Azarenka had found a foothold and was not about to pass it up. She was on top throughout the second stanza, and took it in style to force a deciding frame.

Kvitova looked to be on the ropes when she faced three break points early in the third, but she survived that scare and claimed one against serve in the next game; that proved to be the decisive blow.

"It was unbelievable tennis," Kvitova said. "We were both really fighting. Every game and every set was very close. Maybe I played better on the important points in the match. We both played some of our best here in Istanbul today - it was a final, so why not!"

Azarenka said: "It's hard to lose, but I'm glad I lost to such a champion who deserved to win. Petra was amazing today. She really did a great job."

Kvitova has now lifted six titles this year after becoming the third player in the event's history to win in her inaugural appearance.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.