Top-seeded Caroline Wozniacki recovered from a slow start to beat Elena Dementieva 1-6, 6-2, 6-3 in Saturday's final of the Pan Pacific Open.
Dementieva, who won here in 2006, raced to a 4-0 lead and won the first set when Wozniacki double faulted. But the World No. 2 found her game in the second set and won the match when the Russian double faulted in the final game.
''Elena was playing well in the first set, getting a lot of first shots in,'' Wozniacki said. ''In the second set I really didn't have anything to lose so I just tried to get some more depth on the balls and make her run a little more.''
The seventh-seeded Dementieva had a chance to keep the momentum in the second set when she was up 40-love in the third game but Wozniacki fought back to break and take a 2-1 lead.
''That was an opportunity I didn't use,'' Dementieva said. ''I had a chance on my serve at 40-love. I couldn't finish the game and she got back in the match.''
Wozniacki can overtake Serena Williams as No. 1 in the world rankings if she reaches the quarterfinals or better in at the China Open in Beijing next week.
''Being No. 1 has always been a goal of mine but right now I am just focusing on winning the next tournament,'' Wozniacki said.
Wozniacki, who has won five WTA titles this year, improved to 4-3 against Dementieva, who is 11th in the world rankings.
The 20year-old Dane said her level of fitness has helped her improve her game.
''A few things have happened,'' Wozniacki said. ''I've grown a bit. Not only physically but mentally as well and I feel I can beat anyone now.''
