Maria Sharapova won the Toray Pan Pacific Open final in Tokyo, after Jelena Jankovic was forced to retire through injury.
Sharapova only returned to the game this year after surgery on her shoulder, but has proved that she could return to her best.
The former world No.1 hadn't won a title since returning in May but came close several times, including a runner-up finish in Toronto in August.
Now she has the 20th win of her Tour career after a premature end to what might have been an absorbing final.
It was Serbia's Jankovic who took the first two games only for Sharapova to win the next five games.
The Russian then looked on course to win the set outright when Jankovic decide she had to retire due to a right wrist injury.
Sharapova told wtatour.com: "I want to thank all of the fans for coming out here and supporting me. To go from not knowing whether you'll ever play the sport again to holding a trophy, it's an unbelievable feeling.
"You realize what a gift it is to hit a tennis ball. I've put in so much work and this is just exciting."