Hingis races to record fifth title

Former world number one Martina Hingis thrashed Serbia's Ana Ivanovic 6-4 6-2 to win a record fifth Pan Pacific Open title yesterday.

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 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 again."

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 quit the game at the end of 2002 due to nagging foot and ankle trouble. 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 earned $182,000 for her victory. She is currently fourth in the WTA's all-time list of women's prize money winners with just under $20 million.