Sharapova rallies to lift Qatar title

Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova [Images] staged a superb rally on Saturday to smother the challenge of Alicia Molik [Images] 4-6, 6-1, 6-4 and win the $600,000 Qatar Open.

"I was always positive, even after losing the first set," the Russian smiled after collecting her winner's cheque of $94,000. "I had a good game."

However, the world number four and second seed found the going tough in the first set.

Fourth seed Molik, brimming with confidence after her semi-final win over top seed Amelie Mauresmo on Friday, played aggressive tennis and knocked the wind out of Sharapova in the first set.

The Australian world number nine broke Sharapova in the third game and held her serve in the next to take a 3-1 lead.

Showing scant respect for the rising Russian, Molik fired four aces in all to win the first set 6-4 in 36 minutes.

Molik, who had beaten Sharapova in the Zurich final last year, looked heading for a repeat of that win but Sharapova rebounded, breaking Molik in the second and fourth games to clinch the second set 6-1.

The Russian teenager raised her game a notch and took a vice-like grip. As Sharapova grew in stature, Molik's game fell apart and her challenge fizzled out.

Sharapova broke Molik in the fifth game of the third set and held her nerve for victory.

"In the second set I thought I needed to add some pace to my shots. I also knew I had to keep my serve if I have to win the match. But the key to success is my positive attitude. I approach all tournaments with a positive frame of mind," the Russian said.

"I hit the ball better in the second and third sets. And thing turned in my favour. But I should say that whenever we have played, we played it tough. Alicia plays great points and to beat her I have to be at my best.

"Actually the match could have gone anybody's way. Only a few points separated us. But when I broke her twice in the second set I knew it would be difficult for her to beat me," she added.

Molik got a cheque for $50,000. "I had a long week, not bad at all. I played well too," she said.

"But I spent a lot of time on the court (playing doubles and singles) and I think suffered from a lapse of concentration in the second set.

"Of course I am disappointed not to win the title, but overall I have been playing well of late."

© Copyright 2008 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.