Hingis races to record fifth Tokyo title

TOKYO, Feb 4 (Reuters) Former world number one Martina Hingis thrashed Serbia's Ana Ivanovic 6-4 6-2 to win a record fifth Pan Pacific Open title today.

The Swiss second seed completely outclassed Ivanovic, wrapping up a one-sided final in 71 minutes to capture her third singles title since returning full-time to the WTA Tour in 2006.

''Winning (tournaments) is twice as sweet this time around definitely,'' Hingis told reporters. ''It used to be so normal for me in 1997 and 1998.

''I never thought I'd have the chance to win tournaments again. This time it feels like I really deserve it. I'm more proud this time round.'' It was also a 43rd career singles title for Hingis, who previously won in Tokyo in 1997, 1999, 2000 and 2002 and was a losing finalist on three other occasions.

Hingis won five grand slam singles titles between 1997 and 1999 before quitting the game at the end of 2002 due to nagging foot and ankle trouble.

CLEVER ANGLES Ivanovic had beaten Hingis in Montreal last year in their only other meeting, but the fifth seed had no answer to Hingis's unerring precision and clever use of angles.

Hingis, who reached the quarter-finals of last month's Australian Open, is set to remain at number six when the new world rankings are released on Monday.

''Hopefully I can be more successful this year,'' said the 26-year-old, who raised a few eyebrows when she suggested she would use her trophy as a sushi dish at her home.

''This year I want to prove myself even more. I have to keep improving if I'm going to survive in the game today.'' Hingis earned 2,000 for her victory. She is currently fourth in the WTA's all-time list of women's prize money winners with just under million.

Ivanovic, who reached the final after world number one Maria Sharapova retired in their semi-final with a hamstring injury, is projected to rise to 14th in the new rankings.

''It didn't feel good really,'' shrugged the 19-year-old from Belgrade. ''But it was great to be in a final against Martina.

She just played an unbelievable match.'' Reuters PM GC1525