Zvonareva annexes Pattaya over Mirza

PATTAYA, Thailand – Top-seeded Vera Zvonareva of Russia toppled India’s Sania Mirza, 7-5, 6-1, in the Pattaya Open final Sunday to win her eighth WTA career title.

The world No. 5-ranked Russian had some difficulties handling her opponent’s big forehands in the first set but was too strong in the second, clinching the trophy in one hour and 17 minutes.

Zvonareva, an Australian Open semifinalist, charged into the match with a 5-2 lead in the first set but lost the next three games as Mirza fought back with her powerful forehand and sharp crosscourt winners.      (AP)