Zheng Qinwen became the first Chinese woman to win the China Open by beating Mirra Andreeva in straight sets in Beijing.
Zheng, who entered the tournament as a wildcard ranked number 54 in the world, saved three set points in Sunday’s opening set before overcoming fourth seed Andreeva 7-5, 6-4.
Th 24-year-old fell to the floor as she secured match point and treated the raucous home crowd to some karaoke following her victory speech.
“The feeling was incredible. To win here in Beijing in front of my home crowd is one of my dreams,” she said.
“I’ve been through a very, very tough year.”
For Zheng, who underwent elbow surgery last year, it was a first WTA 1000 title and her sixth title over all. The triumph brings an end to a two-year title drought for a player who has struggled with form and fitness in the past 12 months.
Andreeva, 19, was on top in the early stages of both sets, but was reeled back in both times.