The Czech Lucie Safarova has won the 21st Bell Challenge in Quebec City, defeating Marina Erakovic of New Zealand 6-4, 6-3 Sunday.

Safarova, ranked 41st in the world, pocketed her fifth career WTA championship with the victory.

The 26-year-old Czech lost only one set in the entire tournament and that was against Westmount’s Eugenie Bouchard in the semi-finals Saturday.

Erakovic, ranked 68th in the world, also lost in the finals of the same tournament in Quebec City in 2011 against Barbora Zahlavova Strycova.

Third seed Safarova's serve proved a decisive weapon as the 26-year-old left-hander ended a five-year victory drought and improved her record in WTA finals to 5-7.

"I hope it's not another five years until the next (title)," said Safarova, who was broken early in the first set but held serve the rest of the way.

Sixth seed Erakovic had her chances but the Croatian-born New Zealander squandered five break points.

Safarova broke Erakovic four times on the indoor carpet.

"It was just about a few points today, but I was more consistent with my game and more aggressive, and I think that's why I won," said Safarova, who entered the event ranked 48th in the world.

"My strategy was to try to go to her backhand side and just try to use my lefty shots as well as I could. I was a little bit nervous at the end because it was so long since my last WTA title.

"I really wanted to win the title today - so it's great I was able to do that."

Safarova not only landed more of her first serves in play than Erakovic, but also had a higher winning percentage when she did.

"I really tried hard to get things right, but Lucie made it very difficult for me today," Erakovic told reporters.

"She played solid and didn't let up her lead at all. And I was struggling to find my rhythm with her lefty serve and in the rallies - so I just have to take my hat off to her and move on now."

Erakovic was seeking her second WTA victory.

In doubles, Alla Kudryavtseva and Anastasia Rodionova surprised favourites Andrea Hlavackova and Lucie Hradecka 6-4, 6-3.

-With files from The Canadian Press and the Associated Press