Hewitt needed two service breaks to seal victory over Philippoussis

World number one Lleyton Hewitt won his first title of the season with a 6-4 6-4 win over fellow Australian Mark Philippoussis.

Hewitt earned the 18th trophy of his career without dropping a set all week at the desert hard-court tournament.

It was a particularly welcome triumph for Hewitt, who suffered disappointment at his only other event of the year when he crashed out in the fourth round of the Australian Open.

It also strengthened his position as world number one, after his nearest rival Andre Agassi suffered a shock defeat in the first round.

"Any time you win any kind of tournament is fantastic," said Hewitt.

"This is only my second tournament of the year after the Aussie Open. For me to have another good start is important.

"I enjoy playing this stretch (Scottsdale, Indian Wells, Miami). I got better and better as the week went on and that's a real bonus."

The top seed grabbed an early break in the first set against 1997 Scottsdale winner Philippoussis which left him enough margin to win the set.

He then began the second in strong fashion with another break of the daunting Philippoussis serve and continued to pile on the pressure.

The defeat was a blow to Philippoussis who is without a title in over two years after a series of knee injuries.