The victory was her first since she won a title in Shenzhen 12 months ago. The 74th-ranked Thai improved her head-to-head record against the towering Uzbekistan player to 3-0.

Tamarine attacked from the start, generating a double break to jump for a 4-0 lead before Amanmuradova settled down. The Thai consolidated her lead to 5-2 and served for the set. That was when her game fell apart the first time.

After conceding one service game, Tamarine regrouped in the following game, breaking her opponent to wrap up the opening set after blasting down eight winners against four unforced errors.

Amanmuradova mounted more of a challenge in the second set with big serves and consistent play. After holding a 2-1 lead, Tamarine asked for a trainer to treat her muscle cramps.

Tamarine then had to hang tough to save a flurry of break points. But the crucial seventh game went to long deuces until the Thai eventually held to lead 4-3. From then on, the Uzbek posed no threat to the Thai.

Tamarine will break into the top 70 when the new rankings are announced today. She earned US$7,315 for her win.

She remains on track in her comeback campaign, winning nine of her last 10 matches. Last month she reached her first WTA final in two years, only to lose the final of the Bangkok Open to American Vania King. Next week she will defend her crown in Shenzhen.