MAGDALENA'S VICTORY IN BIRMINGHAM

Magdalena Rybarikova won her first career title after defeating Na Li in straight sets in the AEGON Classic final at Edgbaston today.

The Slovakian 20-year-old, ranked 58th in the world, had never reached an WTA final before but made short work of her Chinese opponent, wrapping up a 6-0 7-6 (7/2) victory in 73 minutes.

Li, the fourth seed, had overcome former Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova in yesterday's semi-final but could not even take a game off Rybarikova in the opening set, who recorded her second 6-0 scoreline in two matches.

The second set was a different story, with both players holding serve through to a tie-break, but from there Rybarikova proved too strong again and won comfortably to secure the title.

Rybarikova said: "I won the first set so easily but the second was so tough as she started to play so much better.

"I was very nervous in the tie-break but she looked more nervous than me, so that helped me concentrate even harder."

Victory will take Rybarikova from 58th in the world rankings to a career high of 42 when they are updated tomorrow.

"Winning today is the best feeling of my career so far. It's unbelievable, just like a dream," she added.

"I was so happy that she (Li) beat Sharapova as she is such a great player and I am not sure I could have beat her today."

Li said: "I was so excited last night after I beat Sharapova, I forgot I had a match today. It has been a good week for me though. I like grass very much."

Top seeds Cara Black of Zimbabwe and American Liezel Huber successfully defended their doubles title with a 6-1 6-4 victory over Americans Raquel Kops-Jones and Abigail Spears.

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