Russian teenager Diana Shnaider staged a timely comeback to record a shock 6-3, 2-6, 6-1 victory over defending champion Zhu Lin of China and bag her maiden title at the WTA Thailand Open in Hua Hin on Sunday night.
Ranked No.108 in the world, Shnaider produced a solid baseline game to rattle her No.45-ranked opponent in a marathon final that lasted one hour and 59 minutes.
Zhu fought back well after conceding the first set 6-3 to the rising Russian star, posting a convincing 6-2 victory in the second set.
However, Shnaider was in no mood to let the title slip away. She was relentless in the deciding third set and raced to 6-1 win to wrap up the match.
"I feel like I won a Grand Slam. I'm not lying guys. This win will stay in my memory for a long time," Shnaider said after the final.
"The last two points were crazy. I kept doing everything that I could. I'm so proud of myself. I was running as fast as I could for every ball."
Shnaider took home US$36,250 (1,284,700 baht), while Zhu received $20,830 or (738,200 baht).
Meanwhile, former deputy prime minister of Thailand Suwat Liptapanlop declared the tournament "a big success."
"This event will serve to promote tourism in the country," added Suwat.
Davis Cup debacle
Thailand Davis Cup team could not pick up a single point after suffering a 4-0 loss to hosts Bolivia in a World Group II play-off over the weekend.
In the first singles, Juan Carlos Prado Angelo beat Maximus Jones of Thailand 6-3, 6-2, before Murkel Del defeated Wishaya Trongcharoenchaikul 6-1, 6-1.
In the doubles tussle, host country's Boris Arias and Federico Zeballos beat Pruchya Isaro and Kasidit Samrej 7-6(8), 6-4 and Arias defeated Thanapet Chanta 6-4, 6-3 in the third singles.