Vera Zvonareva battled her way past local favourite Tamarine Tanasugarn at the PTT Pattaya Open, taking nearly two hours to win 6-4 6-4 and become the first player in the 19-year history of the tournament to successfully defend her title.

The Russian joined the Road to Bali with her victory, but had to work hard against a tenacious opponent. Although top-seeded Zvonareva took a 3-0 lead and then led 5-2, Tanasugarn fought back to 4-5 before making a backhand error to concede the first set. The second was equally as close, with Tanasugarn broken for 2-4 but immediately breaking back. Zvonareva eventually managed to earn a 5-4 lead, before the match ended with a double-fault on Zvonareva’s second match point.

"Thailand should be proud for having such a great player. It was very tough for me to defend my title," said Zvonareva. "This match we both enjoyed, it was very close. There were a couple of calls I think were faulty, but I tried to stick to my game, every game, in every point."

Tanasugarn admitted she had lost to the better player on the day

"Credit to her, her game is brilliant, she didn't let me play mine and she didn't miss on hers," said Tanasugarn. "I had to run around and take chances to attack. It was quite close, especially in the second set, but I admit she never opened the door."

Zvonareva adds her name to those hoping to qualify for one of only eight places available for the prestigious Commonwealth Bank Tournament of Champions, which takes place at the Bali International Convention Centre, The Westin Resort, Nusa Dua from 4th to 7th November. She joins Auckland champion Yanina Wickmayer, Brisbane winner Kim Clijsters and Hobart champion Alona Bondarenko as contenders.