Sydney, Australia (SportsNetwork.com) - Tsvetana Pironkova capped off a memorable week at the Apia International Sydney with a 6-4, 6-4 win over German Angelique Kerber in Friday's final.
The 26-year-old Bulgarian qualifier beat three consecutive Top-10 opponents -- world No. 7 Sara Errani, No. 6 Petra Kvitova and the No. 9 Kerber -- in straight sets to capture her first WTA title.
Pironkova, ranked 107th, had been winless in her previous seven semifinal matches before stunning Kvitova on Thursday. She became the first qualifier to win a Premier event since Ekaterina Makarova's triumph at Eastbourne in 2010.
The fifth-seeded Kerber fell to 3-6 in career finals.
Pironkova earned $120,000 is now 2-1 lifetime against the 25-year-old Kerber, including wins in their last two meetings.
Sydney is a final tune-up for the Australian Open.
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