Russian tennis star Dinara Safina has won her second title of 2008, claiming the East West Bank Classic in Los Angeles. The 22-year-old beat Italian Flavia Pennetta in the final, securing a cheque for $US 600,000.

The win moves Dinara up to number eight in the world rankings – her best – where she replaces compatriot Anna Chakvetadze.

In a one-sided match, Safina gave Pannetta no chance, winning in straight sets 6-4 6-2.

After the game she said that the victory was very important to her: “I was a bit nervous before the game but still played good tennis. Even my coach was surprised. Now I wish I would play this way further”.

Safina is enjoying her best season yet. In her last five tournaments, Safina has reached the final four times. Moreover, in beating Jelena Jankovic on the way to the final, Safina stopped the Serb from becoming world number one.

Dinara Safina has seven WTA singles titles. Since May she has recorded 22 victories – eight of those against Top-10 players. She has only lost three times in that period.