Serena Williams beats Marion Bartoli in Stanford final

Williams celebrates her first tournament victory for over a year

Serena Williams cruised past France's Marion Bartoli to win the Bank of the West Classic - her first title since the Wimbledon singles in 2010.

Williams, who recently returned to action after nearly a year on the sidelines with injury, won the final 7-5 6-1 in Stanford, California.

The American was broken twice in the opening set, but broke back when Bartoli was serving for the set at 5-4.

Williams showed no mercy, winning eight straight games on her way to victory.

"I haven't won a tournament in forever that wasn't a grand slam so it's cool," said Williams, whose last non-major title was the 2009 WTA Championships in Doha.

"I put a lot of work into this week. I want to take this whole (hardcourt) swing serious. It's a good time for me."

The former world number one fell to number 169 in the rankings after her time out injured, but the victory has now lifted her back to 79.

"There are still shots I'm not going for and not making that I know I can make once I get more confident and more match play," she added. "I'll be able to make those. It's encouraging to me that I can do more, I can do better."

Williams has already chosen to use an injury-protected ranking to enter the main draw of the US Open, which begins at Flushing Meadows on 29 August.