Simona Halep takes Dubai Open title after finally sealing victory over Karolina Pliskova

Top-seed Simona Halep claimed the Dubai Open title after an entertaining win over the spirited Karolina Pliskova.

The 23-year-old Romanian failed to convert match points in the 10th and 12th games, but eventually closed out a 6-4 7-6 victory to secure the 10th trophy of her career.

Halep had to dig deep in a quarter-final win over Ekaterina Makarova and she showed her battling qualities again when defending two early break points in the final.

This wastefulness would prove costly for Pliskova, who conceded nine points in a row as Halep forged a 1-0 advantage.

The Czech fought back with a break of her own, but she then conceded her own serve in a see-saw second set.

Halep was handling the fierce serving of Pliskova, who has racked up the most aces on the WTA tour, and eventually edged out her opponent in the tie-break.

Fruitful

She has enjoyed fruitful trips to the Arabian Gulf and will start the defence of her Doha title in the next few days.

I knew she had a big serve (but) I believe I have a good return. I stayed focused on every point.

Reflecting on her latest triumph, Halep said: "She played very well - it's hard to explain how I feel, it's a big title for me.

"I knew she had a big serve (but) I believe I have a good return. I stayed focused on every point."

Pliskova, who is expected to rise to 12th in the rankings, admitted she could not subdue her persistent opponent. 

"Even if I won the second set, I don't think I would have won the whole match," said the 22-year-old.

"She's running really well and so it's hard to kill the ball. She's great at returning. Today, it was more about my mistakes because she wasn't doing any."