GB’s Harriet Dart wins maiden WTA title at 30 with Guangzhou Open triumph

Briton beats 18-year-old Austrian Lilli Tagger 4-6, 6-3, 6-4

Britain’s Harriet Dart won her first WTA title after coming from a set down to beat Lilli Tagger in the final of the Guangzhou Open in China. Dart, who saved three match points in her semi-final win over Sun Xinran to reach her first tour-level final, edged a thrilling match against the 18-year-old from Austria 4-6, 6-3, 6-4.

Dart, the British No 5 and a qualifier, dropped serve in the opening game and had to save a break point in her next service game before finally getting on the board against the fourth seed. The 30-year-old from Hampstead broke back for 4-4, but Tagger hit straight back before wrapping up the first set.