Maja Chwalinska came from a set down to beat Sonay Kartal in Wuhan and take her first title, ending the Briton's fairytale run.
Maja Chwalinska has her first career title. The Pole recovered from a set down to beat Sonay Kartal in the Wuhan Open final and spoil the Briton's dream week in China.
Kartal started the match like a player with nothing to lose. She took the opening set 6-2 and looked on course for the biggest win of her career. Chwalinska refused to fold, tightened up her game and began to take control of the rallies. She won the second set and then pulled clear in the decider.
The defeat will sting, but it should not overshadow what Kartal achieved. She made this deep run only about two weeks after returning from six months out with a back injury. Over a long week in Wuhan, that layoff appeared to catch up with her as the final went on and her energy faded.
Kartal's record-breaking run still carries a prize. It lifts her to the top of the British women's rankings, a big milestone in a comeback that has moved quickly. For Chwalinska, the title is a breakthrough moment and proof that she can beat the best when the pressure is highest.
