Kirilenko doubles up to take another title

Posted 04 21 2008 8:01AM

ESTORIL, Portugal (AFP) - Russian Maria Kirilenko became the first player in the Estoril Open's history to win both women's singles and doubles titles here on Sunday when she beat Czech Iveta Benesova 6-4, 6-2.

Kirilenko, who won the doubles with Italian Flavia Pennetta on Saturday, overcame a rain interruption to win her third career singles title to add the clay court event to the ones she won in Beijing in 2005 on hardcourt and Calcutta indoors last season.

"I feel great, this has to help my confidence," said the 20-year-old second seed.

"I've only started my clay season, this will help me on the way to Roland Garros. I've won nine matches this week."

Kirilenko did not lament a rain interruption in the first set.

"I had a set point but at least it gave the trainer more time to work on my leg in the locker room," she said of a muscle pull she picked up on Saturday.

The winner was helped by five double-faults from Benesova, ranked exactly 100 places lower than the 32 ranked winner from Moscow.

Benesova saved five of seven break points as Kirilenko beat the Czech for the second time in as many meetings.

"There are no secrets, just hard work and focusing on the court," said Kirilenko.

"You can't notice the weather or anything, just fight in the match."