Tokyo, Japan (Sports Network) - Russian Maria Sharapova beat seventh-seeded Jelena Jankovic via retirement to capture Saturday's final at the $2 million Pan Pacific Open.
Sharapova was ahead 5-2 in the first set when the Serbian called it quits due to an arm injury. Sharapova also won this event in 2005.
The victory gave Sharapova her first title this year. Sharapova, who returned to tennis in May after a 10-month layoff because of a shoulder injury, lost at Toronto in her only other final this season.
The Russian captured her first title since Amelia Island in April 2008. She improved to 20-8 lifetime in title matches.
Jankovic was trying for her third title of the season. She had won earlier this year at Marbella and Cincinnati. She dropped to 11-11 lifetime in finals.
Sharapova now leads the all-time series with Jankovic, 5-1. The Russian also holds a 2-1 record in title matches between these two former top-ranked players.
Sharapova collected $350,000 with the win.