China's Peng Shuai captures 1st title at Tianjin Open

Posted October 16, 2016 7:00 am

The Associated Press

TIANJIN, China (AP) - Chinese veteran Peng Shuai captured the first title of her career at the Tianjin Open on Sunday, beating Alison Riske in the final 7-6 (3), 6-2.

Peng, a former U.S. Open semifinalist, 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 semifinal over Danka Kovinic earlier 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 semifinal earlier 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.

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