Sina Corp, the largest Chinese portal operator, posted better-than-expected second-quarter profits on surging advertising income.

Net income nearly doubled to US$25.2 million, or 38 US cents per share, from US$13.3 million in the same period last year, the company said in a statement yesterday.

Total revenue saw an increase of 10 percent to US$99.4 million, exceeding its previous forecast of between US$90 million and US$93 million.

"Online advertising continued to show strong momentum and the Twitter-like Weibo service is enhancing our leading position in the online media sector," Chief Executive Officer Charles Chao said.

Advertising revenue added 26 percent to US$73.1 million in the quarter ending June 30.

That beats domestic rival Sohu's US$53.2 million income on brand advertising in the same quarter.