Kuznetsova stuns Safina to win Stuttgart final

Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova stunned world number one Dinara Safina 6-4, 6-3 to win the Stuttgart Grand Prix on Sunday.

Kuznetsova, the world number nine, was more consistent than fellow Russian Safina, holding her serve throughout to clinch her first tournament of the year after an hour and 19 minutes.

The former US Open champion had struggled with three-set victories in earlier rounds but picked up her game when it really mattered, ousting world number three Elena Dementieva in the last four, and then Safina.

Safina, who topped the rankings on April 20 for the first time, lost her third final this year after falling at the last hurdle in Sydney and the Australian Open.

Both players held serve in the opening games on the indoor clay court with Safina missing three quick break points at 1-1.

Kuznetsova, 23, who had a solitary break chance only until then, finally conquered Safina's serve at 5-4 to clinch the first set after 43 minutes.

The 23-year old Safina, who had struggled in her three-set semi-final victory against Flavia Pennetta on Saturday, again failed to convert her two break points at 1-1 in the second set.

But her opponent was in no such mood when she carved out two opportunities to go 4-2 up.

Safina briefly managed to pull one back before losing the second set 6-3.