Li downs error-prone Sharapova at Aegon

BIRMINGHAM, England, June 13 (UPI) -- Top-seeded Li Na of China claimed her first title of the year Saturday, defeating Maria Sharapova to win the Aegon Classic in Birmingham, England.

Li triumphed in straight sets 7-5, 6-1, taking advantage of seven double faults by the Russian star.

Sharapova's inaccuracy worked against her in the final, and she managed to win only 56 percent of her first serves. Li turned it on the second set, taking all 12 of her first serve points and 4-of-5 second serve points to win going away.

The win was the third in Li's career and first since 2008 at the Australian Gold Coast event. She improved to 3-4 in WTA Tour finals and won her second straight Birmingham match against Sharapova. Li also downed the Russian in last year's semifinals.