She had to wait a long time for a second career title after earning her first, but Iveta Benesova has staked her claim for a place at the Commonwealth Bank Tournament of Champions by winning the Grand Prix De Sar La Princesse Lalla Meryem in Fes, Morocco.

The 27-year old Czech left-hander defeated qualifier Simona Halep of Romania 6-4 6-2 to win her first title since taking the Acapulco title way back in 2004, and it was an impressive victory over an opponent who is a former junior world number one and the 2008 junior French Open champion. Not only did Benesova win the singles, but she also stepped back onto court to sweep the doubles too, partnering Anabel Medina Garrigues to victory. It was her third doubles title this year after she won Paris and Monterrey with Zahlavova Strycova.

"I played Simona in Marbella and knew what to expect, and wanted a little revenge," said a delighted Benesova after her victory. "I just tried to play my game, be aggressive and make her move, because she had a lot of matches this week too. It has been such a long time since Acapulco , six years - I don't even remember! It's hard to compare. I'm just happy I could make it again. I'm happy I could play both events here - Anabel really helped me a lot, she’s a great player. And winning both singles and doubles, it couldn't be better."

This week the International Series moves on Portugal and the Estoril Open as another group of players eagerly do battle to try and earn one of the prestigeous places up for grabs at the Commonwealth Bank Tournament of Champions. Only the top eight-ranked players to have won a singles title on the International Series and who are not playing at the WTA Championships in Doha will be eligible to compete in the Commonwealth Bank Tournament of Champions, which takes place at the Bali International Convention Centre, The Westin Resort, Nusa Dua from 4th to 7th November.