Hobart: Ukraine's Alona Bondarenko defeated Israel's Shahar Peer 6-2 6-4 in the final of the Hobart International on Saturday to claim her second WTA title.
Bondarenko raced to victory in 73 minutes, despite dropping serve twice in the second set, to add the Hobart title to her previous win at Luxembourg in 2006.
"I am very happy to have won my second WTA title and I hope it's not the last for the year," said the 25-year-old, who is seeded 31st for the Australian Open which starts on Monday.
"I am looking forward to my matches next week. I am feeling good and I hope I play well."
Peer, who ended a three year drought by winning back to back titles in China and Tashkent last year, was left frustrated by her performance.
"I am disappointed with today's match because I didn't find my rhythm at all," she said.
"But it was a dream come true to be in the final in Hobart and I am ready to raise my level next week at the Australian Open."
The 22-year-old made the quarter-finals at Melbourne Park in 2007 and is seeded 29th for the first grand slam of this year. Her first round opponent is Czech Lucie Hradecka.
Bureau Report
First Published: Saturday, January 16, 2010, 12:09