China's second seeded Chen and Zhang rallied past countrywomen Tian and Wang 21-18 in the first set. But after trailing 15-10 in the second set, Tian fell ill and was forced to called for a medical time-out.

Tian returned to the court, but along with partner Wang could not regained their form and lost 21-15.

The victory not only handed Chen and Zhang prize money of US$32,000 plus 600 ranking points, but also improved their head to head record against their rivals to two wins against five losses.

"Tian and Wang are a very good team, so we had to play a perfect match to defeat them, and that is what we did today," said Chen, who is the youngest player to win an FIVB title.

Chen and Zhang finished third on the FIVB world tour points standings. The Phuket Thailand Open was the 15th and final leg on the FIVB calendar this year.

Tian and Wang collected prize money of $22,000 plus 540 ranking points to be second in the world rankings.

Both Chinese squads will be competing in the Asian Games in Doha and China aim to win at least a bronze medal.

In the third-place play-off, world No 4 Kerri Walsh and Misty May Treanor of the US had a convincing 21-15 21-13 win over Norwegian world No 8s Nila Ann Hakedal and Ingrid Torlen to take home prize money of $16,000 and gain 480 ranking points.

Chaipak Siriwat, the chairman of the organising committee of the FIVB World Tour Phuket Thailand Open, was the guest of honour at the awards ceremony on centre court.

Somporn Suphop

The Nation

Phuket