Djokovic wins his first title of the season in Dubai

REUTERS - World number two Novak Djokovic overcame a racket-smashing tantrum and a day-long rain delay to retain his Dubai Championships crown by beating Russia's Mikhail Youzhny 7-5 5-7 6-3 on Sunday.

A rainstorm halted play on Saturday with Djokovic a set and a break up. He started Sunday well, going three games ahead, before Youzhny -- runner up in 2007 -- stormed back to square the set at 3-3, breaking back after the Serb hit a cross-court shot into the net.

The players then exchanged further breaks, with Djokovic smashing his racket until it buckled after he double-faulted to put his opponent 5-4 up, Youzhny eventually winning the set.

Djokovic again raced into a 3-0 lead in the decider and although Youzhny broke to level at 3-3, the second seed upped his game again. The Russian hit a long forehand to allow Djokovic to serve out the match, the exhausted Serb collapsing to his knees in triumph.