Makarova beats Pliskova to Pattaya title

EkaterinaMakarova

Makarova produced an accomplished display in the showpiece of the WTA International event in Thailand on Sunday, dispatching of her Czech counterpart in straight sets 6-3 7-6 (9-7).

Triumph for the fourth seed's marked her first in a hard-court tournament, with her only other success coming on grass at the AEGON International in 2010.

The Russian's quality shone through in the key moments and was evident in the eighth game of the first set as Makarova broke Pliskova's dangerous serve to move 5-3 ahead.

And the world number 28 did not pass up the opportunity to seal the set as she held to love in the very next game.

However, Pliskova refused to lie down and forced Makarova to save two break points in the sixth game of the second.

Those would prove to be the only break-point opportunities of that set as both players displayed impressive solidity on serve.

Makarova looked to have finally broken Pliskova's resistance in the second set tie-break, opening a 5-2 advantage to put victory in sight.

Pliskova had other ideas, though, and launched a stunning revival, turning the tie-break on its head to move 6-5 in front and reach set point.

However, the world number 66 failed to grasp that chance on serve and saw another opportunity to level go begging at 7-6.

From there, Pliskova could not find a way back as Makarova won a further two points to finally end her brave fight after one hour and 36 minutes.

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