• WTA

Azarenka crushes Sharapova to win Beijing title

ESPN staff
October 7, 2012
Victoria Azarenka was too good for Maria Sharapova © PA Photos
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Victoria Azarenka justified top billing in Beijing as she overpowered Maria Sharapova to win the China Open.

The world No. 1 secured her fifth title of the season with a resounding 6-3 6-1 victory over the world No. 2 to become the first player to win two Premier Mandatory events in a single season.

The Belarusian burst out of the blocks, grabbing two early breaks to storm to a 4-0 lead. Sharapova rallied to claw a break back, but Azarenka replied, breaking in the final game to wrap up the opening set in 43 minutes.

It was a similar story in the second set as Azarenka again won the opening four games, and although she had to fight hard to hold serve in the fifth, there was little sign of a comeback from Sharapova as Azarenka wrapped up victory on her second match point.

"I'm really happy to finally have a really good result here - I've been coming here for the last four years and I'm happy I could finally show my game and hold the trophy," Azarenka said. "I've worked so hard and it all came together here. It has been an incredible week."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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