Hantuchova upsets Kuznetsova to win Indian Wells title

INDIAN WELLS, California, Mar 18 (Reuters) Daniela Hantuchova of Slovakia won her first title in five years when she upset second seed Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-3 6-4 in the Pacific Life Open final.

Number 14 seed Hantuchova won her maiden title at the same tournament in 2002, beating Martina Hingis in the final.

''There's something special about this place. I love it,'' Hantuchova told reporters yesterday.

Hantuchova was brilliant on the day, ripping 27 winners and only committing 14 unforced errors.

She will rise to number 12 in the world rankings when they are released on Monday.

REUTERS PDS PM0624