Chinese veteran Peng Shuai captured the first WTA title of her career at the Tianjin Open on Sunday, beating Alison Riske in the final 7-6 (7-3) 6-2.
Peng, a former US Open semi-finalist, was winless in six previous finals on the WTA Tour. She saved 10 of 12 break points she faced against Riske.
Peng finished off her rain-delayed semi-final over Danka Kovinic earlier on Sunday, winning three straight games to prevail 3-6 7-5 6-3 after resuming at 3-all in the third.
Riske, aiming for her second career title, also had to play her semi-final earlier on Sunday, topping second-seeded Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-4 5-7 6-4.
Peng, who lives in Tianjin, was once ranked as high as No.14, but has seen her ranking slip to No.182 due to injuries and inconsistent play.
