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Sharapova fights to first title since drugs ban

Maria Sharapova beat Aryna Sabalenka to win the Tianjin Open. Photograph: Imaginechina/REX/Shutterstock

Five-time Grand Slam winner Maria Sharapova was made to fight by 102nd-ranked teenager Aryna Sabalenka at the Tianjin Open on Sunday before winning her first title since her 15-month doping ban.

The former world number one, who returned to action in April, came from behind in both sets and needed four championship points in the tie-breaker before beating the 19-year-old 7-5, 7-6 (10/8).

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