Halep beats Pliskova in Dubai final

Simona Halep of Romania returns the ball to Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic during their women's singles tennis final match at the WTA Dubai Tennis Championships February 21, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]

Halep, 23, is seven inches shorter than Pliskova, the six-footer with more aces than any other player this year, but the Romanian's pounding ground strokes ultimately proved decisive.

"She played very well - it's hard to explain how I feel, it's a big title for me," Halep said in a courtside interview.

"I knew she had a big serve (but) I believe I have a good return. I stayed focused on every point."

Such concentration did not prevent the French Open finalist from making early errors, with two double faults and a wayward forehand providing Pliskova with a first break point.