Sharapova wins Indian Wells tournament

Maria Sharapova came good in her 13th career final, Indian Wells (California), defeating Russian compatriot Elena Dementieva 6-1, 6-2 to win the $5.29 million Indian Wells Masters.

The teenager, who will improve to a world number 5 ranking with the title, mastered swirling winds in the first all-Russian final at the event Saturday.

It was Sharapova's 11th career trophy and first since Birmingham last summer on grass.

"These kind of tournaments mean a lot to me," said the delighted winner. "They give me more confidence because I known I've put in the hard work. You just never know when the hard work will pay off - just trying to stay positive always helps. It's definitely good to see that it did pay off today."

The 18-year-old, who won Wimbledon in 2004, secured her fourth victory over Dementieva in five meetings.

Sharapova said the blustery conditions complicated the match.

"It was so tough out there today," said the holder of a 13-4 record at the desert venue. "You can be playing great tennis and look like crap. You don't don't know if the ball is going in or out. I was just trying to do everything possible to get that extra ball back."