NDTV

Kolkata, Sep 25: Top-seeded Martina Hingis downed first-time finalist Olga Poutchkova of Russia 6-0, 6-4 on Sunday to win the Sunfeast Open title.

While Sania Mirza, for her part, credited her doubles victory to her partner Liesel Huber and said she hoped to win the singles title next year.

Martina Hingis said that winning her second WTA title in her comeback year in Kolkata was special as was playing Sania Mirza in the semi-finals.

It was the second title for Hingis this year, a year that has seen her barge her way into the rankings and rocket up to number nine.

Having achieved her initial goal of a top ten rank in her comeback year, Hingis now aims to make it to the year ending WTA Championships.

She also hopes to see more of Sania Mirza and her fan following.

"Sania will always have fans everywhere she goes because there are so many Indians," said Hingis.

Her opponent from the semi-finals seemed to echo that view. Sania Mirza credited the crowd support and partner Liesel Huber in their doubles victory on Sunday.

"Liesel and I are great friends. She is my mentor even though she hates me calling her that," said Sania, after winning the doubles title.

"You guys should be excited about the fact that she is only 19 and having won three doubles titles already and has such a promising career. For me its an honour to play with her, specially in her home country," said Huber.

Sania's doubles record has in fact been far more impressive than her singles play this year. But the Hyderabadi says she will return to Kolkata next year, not just to defend her doubles title, but also to win the singles.