Williams beats Sharapova for season-ending title

Istanbul, Turkey – Serena Williams captured the title at the season-ending WTA Championships with a 6-4, 6-3 victory over Russian Maria Sharapova on Sunday.

Williams fired 11 aces and didn't face a single break point while notching her 12th consecutive win against an opponent ranked No. 1 or No. 2 in the world. It also marked the ninth straight time she bested Sharapova, the 2004 WTA champ.

The 31-year-old Williams is now a three-time winner of this event. She was also victorious in her 2001 debut and 2009.

The American has been nearly unbeatable since a stunning opening-round loss at Roland Garros, going 31-1.

Sharapova fell to 3-6 in finals this year.