Zheng Qinwen plays in the singles final against Ludmilla Samsonova of Russia on day seven of the Toray Pan Pacific Open at Tokyo’s Ariake Coliseum on Sunday. Photo: VCG

The 23-year-old Samsonova sweeps to her third title this season after beating Zheng 7-5, 7-5 at the WTA Pan Pacific Open on Sunday. Photo: VCG

Zheng (left) decides which side of the court to play prior to their singles final on Sunday. Photo: VCG

Zheng (left) and Samsonova shake hands after the singles final match. After her win, Samsonova’s ranking hit a career high, going from No. 30 to No. 22, while Zheng has risen to world No. 28. Photo: VCG

Zheng reached her first WTA 500 final after beating Russia’s Veronika Kudermetova in the semifinal on Saturday. Photo: VCG

Zheng is presented the runner-up trophy by the tournament’s Chairman Akihiro Nikkaku on Sunday. Photo: VCG

China’s 33-year-old Zhang Shuai lost her semifinal match with Samsonova on Saturday. It was Zhang’s best result at a WTA 500 tournament in the last eight years. Photo: VCG

Samsonova (left) and Zhang greet each other after their semifinal match on Saturday. Zhang’s live ranking has risen to world No. 26 after the tournament. Photo: VCG