Sharapova triumphs in Zurich Open

Zurich: Maria Sharapova claimed her fourth title of the year on Sunday by beating unseeded Slovak Daniela Hantuchova 6-1 4-6 6-3 in the final of the Zurich Open.

It was Sharapova's first title in Zurich, after she finished as runner-up to Alicia Molik in 2004.

The victory, achieved with the loss of just one set all week, added to the Indian Wells, San Diego and US Open titles she earned earlier this year.

Although the second-seeded Russian will remain at number three in the rankings next week behind Amelie Mauresmo and Justine Henin-Hardenne, the win boosted her chances of ending the season as world number one.

Despite her defeat, Hantuchova's ranking will improve next week from 22 to an expected 16.