Hantuchova wins in Birmingham

Daniela Hantuchova saw off Croatian teenager Donna Vekic to win her sixth career title at the Aegon Classic.

The Slovakian won 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 in Birmingham as she wore down the 16-year-old Vekic, who battled hard in the first set.

Hantuchova broke serve to lead 4-3 but Vekic responded in kind and then, once the set had gone to a tiebreaker, Vekic battled back from 5-2 down before succumbing 7-5.

Vekic fought hard in the second set too, but Hantuchova broke her at 5-4 to set up the straight-sets victory.

Despite the defeat, the teenager went away with her confidence boosted by a strong showing.

"It was a good week for me and I am very happy to get to the final," she said on the tournament's website. "I think she was just a better player out there today. I gave it my all.

"I think I played very well, it was my first WTA event on grass and I and I am looking forward to Wimbledon."