Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova notched her fourth career title in Asia on Sunday as she came back from a rain interruption to stun top seed Amelie Mauresmo 6-4, 6-0 to win the China Open.
The 21-year-old from St Petersburg will move back to fourth in the world as a result of her success in a match interrupted for two hours by the weather.
It marked Kuznetsova's forth trophy in the region after winning Bali three times, the last a week ago.
PHOTO: AFP
"I'm just so happy," Kuznetsova said. "I put pressure on her, as she was not at her best form today [on Sunday]."
The Russian won the last eight games in a purple patch after the delay.
"This was a great victory and it helps me to fourth in the world. I'm pleased with my form over the past few weeks, especially in Asia," she said.
"I had problem with consistency last year. But now I'm just playing my best and focussing on match," the 2004 US Open champion added.
World No. 1 Mauresmo failed in her bid for finals success on her first appearance in China. She had played nearly three hours a day before in subduing Serb Jelena Jankovic in the semi-finals.
Kuznetsova improved to 55-15 on the season while Mauresmo, reigning Australian Open and Wimbledon champion, took her 11th loss of the year.
The French player had won her first four meeting with Kuznetsova, but had now dropped her last three, all this season.
Mauresmo said uncertainly plagued her after the wet weather interruption.
"We didn't know if we were going to start again or if we would have to return tomorrow," the 27-year-old said.
"She dealt with conditions better than I did," she said.
"I'm disappointed, she played much better than me, especially after the rain," Mauresmo added.
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