ANNING, China - Zheng Saisai is the new Kunming Open champion, defeating compatriot Zhang Shuai 6-4, 6-1 to lift the trophy for a fourth time.
It was the pair's first meeting in five years - the last time they clashed in Kuala Lumpur, back in 2014, when Zhang won 2-6, 6-2, 6-2; their only other meeting before that was in 2013, in Sanya, when Zheng came out on top 6-3, 7-6(4).
The first set was characterized by repeated breaks of serve. Last year's runner-up Zheng broke serve in a close opening game before holding to love to open up a 2-0 lead.
Zhang - who had already played three gruelling three-setters this week - got the break back in the fourth game to level up before Zheng broke once more to edge in front.
It was the break in the ninth game that proved decisive, giving herself the chance to see out the first set, taking it 6-4.
The second set was rather more decisive. Zheng broke again in the first game, held serve and broke once more to race to a 3-0 lead.
And fittingly it was a break of serve that secured her the match, taking apart the Zheng serve to conclude a 6-4, 6-1 victory.
