Serena Williams beats Li Na for WTA title

Serena Williams is jubilant after winning the TEB BNP Paribas WTA Championships final

Istanbul, Oct 28 (IANS) World No. 1 Serena Williams of the US snatched nine games in a row, rallying to beat China’s Li Na 2-6, 6-3, 6-0 Sunday to claim the 2013 WTA Championship singles title, Xinhua reported.

The 32-year-old American became the first player to defend the WTA Championship title after Justine Henin managed the feat in 2007.

The 31-year-old Li, who will move up to world No. 3 in Monday’s WTA rankings, enjoyed a flying start as she notched the first set at 6-2.

Williams broke Li’s first service game and took a 3-0 lead in the second set. Although Li fought back to even the set at 3-3. The American grabbed three straight games to seal the set and continued her overwhelming form in the third set, forcing Li to concede a embarrassing love set.

It was the 11th title for Williams in 2013 and the ninth consecutive win against Li in the recent encounters.