Dinara Safina has won the East West Bank Classic title in Los Angeles.

The 22-year-old climbed one place to a career-best eighth in the world rankings after beating Flavia Pennetta 6-4 6-2.

At the semi-final stage, Safina knocked out Jelena Jankovic who would have risen to the top of the world rankings had she made it to the final.

Her latest triumph was her second title of the year so far.

The Russian's first victory was secured in Berlin in May, where she overcame a series of impressive opponents in order to win, including Elena Dementieva, Justine Henin and Serena Williams.

Safina, who is the younger sister of Wimbledon semi-finalist Marat Safin, said: "I did everything I had to. I stayed aggressive the entire time."

Meanwhile, it was previously announced that Safina will represent Russia at the Olympic Games in Beijing this summer after Anna Chakvetadze decided she would not be attending.