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PHOTOS: Li Na beats Cibulkova to win Australian Open

Last updated on: January 25, 2014 16:40 IST

China's Li Na became the first player from Asia-Pacific to clinch the Australian Open title after defeating Dominika Cibulkova of Slovakia 7-6, 6-0 at Melbourne Park on Saturday.

Cibulkova saved a match-point but hit a forehand wide to allow Li Na get third time lucky after the Chinese finished runners-up in the last two years.

Li became the fourth woman to win the title after fighting off a match-point in her third round match against Lucie Safarova.

PHOTOS: Li Na beats Cibulkova to win Australian Open

Last updated on: January 25, 2014 16:40 IST
Li Na plays a backhand in her women's final match against Dominika Cibulkova of Slovakia on Saturday

Li Na won the first set 7-6 after being stretched into the tie-break.

She clinched it after an hour and 10 minutes.

PHOTOS: Li Na beats Cibulkova to win Australian Open

Last updated on: January 25, 2014 16:40 IST
Dominika Cibulkova of Slovakia plays a forehand in her women's final match against Na Li of China

Cibulkova broke Li Na and then held serve in the last game to take the first set into the tie-breaker.

The last tie-break in a women's final at the Australian Open was in 2003 when the William sisters -- Serena and Venus -- clashed.

PHOTOS: Li Na beats Cibulkova to win Australian Open

Last updated on: January 25, 2014 16:40 IST
Former Formula 1 driver Mark Webber and his partner Ann Neal watch the women's final match between Na Li of China and Dominika Cibulkova of Slovakia

Among the big names present at the match was Former Formula 1 driver Mark Webber, with his partner Ann Neil.

Former World No 1 Chris Evert was also at the final to give away the winners' trophy.

PHOTOS: Li Na beats Cibulkova to win Australian Open

Last updated on: January 25, 2014 16:40 IST
Li Na plays a backhand

After a slow start in the first set, Li Na raced to a 4-0 lead in the second set. 

She broke Cibulkova in the second game and then had a second break of serve. She didn't do much wrong as she cruised home.

Her first serve percentage was up to 57% from 13% in the set 1. She struck 31 winners to Cibulkova's 10 in the second set.