Halep's star keeps rising

Simona Halep confirmed her status as the WTA Tour's rising star yesterday morning (Singapore time) as she collected the biggest prize of her career with an impressive 6-2, 6-3 victory over Angelique Kerber in the Qatar Open.

The 22-year-old seventh seed Romanian eased to victory over the 26-year-old sixth-seeded German, to add her to other impressive conquests of the second and fourth seeds - Agnieszka Radwanska and Sara Errani.

"I never believed I could win the tournament when I came here," said Halep, who reached the world's top 10 for the first time only last month.

"I have been competing indoors, but mentally, I am very strong and I got the feel of the balls and the court here very well. I have to enjoy this now as the best moment of my life."

- AFP.