Diatchenko fights back to win Taipei title

VitaliaDiatchenko

The Russian fought back after winning just one game in the first set to claim victory over home hope Chan and seal her maiden title at a WTA-sanctioned event with a 1-6 6-2 6-4 success.

Wildcard Chan had enjoyed a fairytale run to the final of the WTA 125k series tournament and looked set to cap it with victory as she surged into the lead with a dominant first-set showing. 

Yet Diatchenko – seeded sixth for the competition – recovered and demonstrated why she is 104 places above Chan in the world rankings with a clinical fightback.

The 24-year-old converted both of her break-point opportunities in the second set and lost just eight points on serve to force a decider in which she was put under considerably more pressure.

Chan displayed the resolve that defined her route to the final and enjoyed much more success attacking the Diatchenko serve, breaking twice in a frenetic third set. 

However, Diatchenko's ability to take full advantage of her chances made the difference as she broke Chan on three further occasions to deny the home fans the opportunity to celebrate.

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