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Russia's Maria Sharapova beat world number one Victoria Azarenka 6-1 6-4 in the Stuttgart clay court final to claim her first WTA tour title of the year and end a two-match losing streak against the Belarussian, Reuters reported.

Sharapova, ranked second in the world, outplayed Azarenka, who had beaten her in the Australian Open final and the Indian Wells final during her 26-match unbeaten run this year.

This was only a second defeat of the year for Azarenka, who was treated for a wrist injury at the start of the second set.

"In such a tough tournament with difficult opponents, it was a good week," Sharapova said in a courtside interview after her first appearance at the indoor event was sealed with the title.

"(Azarenka) was injured today, maybe she could not perform well but I am happy to be the champion here this year."

"Obviously I am not happy, but congratulations to Maria," said the 22-year-old Azarenka, who has reached the final in every event she has entered this year. "Still it was a good week for me."