Sharapova secures first title since ban

TIANJIN, China - Five-time Grand Slam winner Maria Sharapova was made to fight by 102nd-ranked teenager Aryna Sabalenka at the Tianjin Open on Sunday before winning her first title since her 15-month doping ban.

The former world No 1, who returned to action in April, came from behind in both sets and needed four championship points in the tie-breaker before beating the 19-year-old 7-5, 7-6(8).

Sharapova clasped her hands to her chest in delight as she soaked up the feeling of winning her 36th tour title and first in more than two years since the 2015 Italian Open.