Maria Sharapova obliterated Elena Dementieva to win the Pacific Life Open

INDIAN WELLS, Mar 19: Maria Sharapova obliterated fellow Russian Elena Dementieva to win the Pacific Life Open while James Blake shocked world number two Rafael Nadal to set up a men's final against Roger Federer.

Third seed Sharapova strolled to a 6-1 6-2 victory to pick up her first title since Birmingham last June yesterday.

''It feels really great,'' she smiled. ''I've worked really hard the past few months to get past my (shoulder and rib) injury and to really believe in myself. It's moments like these where the hard work comes into your mind.'' After playing for nearly three hours to upset top seed Justine Henin-Hardenne in the semi-finals on Friday, fourth seed Dementieva couldn't find the energy to run with Sharapova.

In the men's field, however, American Blake was full of energy as he stunned burly Spaniard Nadal 7-5 6-3.

Blake, winner in Las Vegas two weeks ago, negated the 19-year-old's speed and retrieving ability with huge forehands, opportunistic net rushes and superb returning.

''UNBELIEVABLE PLAYER''

''I felt great, Rafael is an unbelievable player. Somehow he brings out the best in me because I played some of my best tennis against him at the US Open,'' said Blake, who ousted the Spaniard in the third round at Flushing Meadows.

''I knew he's the type of guy that you have to kind of jump on that first chance. You can't wait for two and three and four opportunities in a point. If you let him get on the offensive.'' Blake broke Nadal three times during the match and nailed 21 winners to 17 from the Spaniard.

''He played good and aggressive,'' Nadal said. ''In difficult moments, he always had the confidence to win the point, how to play the point well. I fought all match.'' The American, who has won four titles since last August, is guaranteed to go to a career-high number nine in the rankings and will reach number seven if he upsets Federer.

World number one Federer strolled into the final after a 6-2 6-3 victory over Thailand's Paradorn Srichaphan.

The 24-year-old Swiss stands at 17-1 for 2006, his sole loss coming to Nadal in the Dubai final earlier this month.

Federer did not seem concerned he would meet form-player Blake and said he was happy for his rival's ranking success.

''I don't know if he's done that (broken into the top 10) before. That's fantastic. I'm really happy for him,'' he said.

REUTERS