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Wozniacki fights back for fifth title of the year

Caroline Wozniacki lifted her fifth title of the year © Getty Images

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Caroline Wozniacki battled back from a first-set horror show to beat Elena Dementieva in the final of the Toray Pan Pacific in Tokyo.

The world No. 2 was dominated in the opening seven games of the contest, losing three of her first four service games as Dementieva assumed control. However, as is so often the case with Dementieva, much relies on her first-serve percentage, and when that dipped Wozniacki took full advantage for a 1-6 6-2 6-3 triumph.

As top seed in the competition, Wozniacki started as favourite in Saturday's final, but she won only one of 10 points on second serve in the opening set as Dementieva converted three of eight break chances. By contrast, the Dane failed to create a single opportunity when returning.

However, Dementieva's 94 percent first-serve ratio was never going to be sustainable, and her second serve remains penetrable. With the Russian's statistics falling in the second stanza, Wozniacki capitalised, winning nine of 12 points on the second serve to level the match.

A similar pattern saw Wozniacki continue to wrest control of the match in the third set and, despite seeing her own serve broken, she responded with three of her own to wrap up victory in two hours. The Dane's fifth title of the year means she can become the world No. 1 if she reaches the quarter-finals at the China Open in Beijing next week.

"Of course being number one has always been a goal of mine but I'm just focusing on winning the next tournament," she said. "I feel I can beat anyone now. I have grown a bit not only physically but mentally. It's my 11th [career] title. I'm so happy."

At the China Open, Jelena Jankovic made a successful first-round appearance in Beijing, beating Klara Zakapalova 7-5 7-5. Jankovic lost her serve on five occasions before sneaking through after an hour and a half on court.

Other names to join Jankovic in round two included Patty Schnyder, Andrea Petkovic and Olga Govortsova.

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