Dementieva makes the perfect debut in Dubai

"This is such a big win," said the world number 11 after claiming the ninth trophy of her career. "I'm very, very happy, it's my best match in a long time."

   The 2004 French Open finalist had never managed to previously play at an event which consistently attracts an elite field. But she was determined to give it a go this season.

 "I'd heard so much about it here, and I certainly have no regrets about coming. I played my best tennis in the final, the most important match," said the eighth seed.

 Kuznetsova came to the court with five victories in eight previous matches against Dementieva but fell flat on the day.

 "I'm very disappointed," said the 2004 US Open winner. "I had all the chances but my level just dropped as the match went on.

 "She played consistently to beat me. I was missing everything and gave her all the chances."

   Kuznetsova couldn't stop a smile when reminded of a between-the- legs winner she produced: "It was the first one I've made, you can't practise that one."

   Dementieva levelled after losing the first set, claiming the second and wrapping up victory in the third with the last of 14 breaks of serve in a contesting lasting two hours, nine minutes.

 The winner said that a strategy change in the break-riddled opening set proved to be a wise choice.

 "I was playing too long and not moving here around the court. I started using the whole court and attacking and making forehand winners."

   Dementieva was playing in her second Dubai final from six appearances while Dementieva missed the chance to claim her tenth title.

By Bill Scott, dpa