Tennis star Kvitova wins first title since hand stabbing

Petra Kvitova secured a crowd-pleasing victory in the Aegon Classic since returning from an attack in which she was stabbed in the hand.

The Czech was stabbed by an intruder at her home in December.

The tennis star won the title after beating 21-year-old Australian Ashleigh Barty 4-6 6-3 6-3 in Birmingham.

It is only Kvitova’s second tournament since returning from the injury, her first being the French Open in late May.

The 27-year-old told the BBC: "It is something very special - it is like a dream or fairytale. It has been a difficult time and I wasn't sure if I would play again. It wasn't about the tennis, but to come back healthy and alive."