Patty Schnyder won her first title in almost three years at the Volvo Women's Open.

Schnyder, the seventh seed, routed Slovkian Henrieta Nagyova 6-0 6-2 in the final WTA Tour event of the year.

The 22-year-old from Switzerland took her seventh career title, and first tournament victory since winning at Gold Coast in January 1999.

Schnyder, who once been ranked as high as eighth in the world, and cracked the top 10 in 1998 when she captured five titles.

Ranked as world number 44 heading into this week, Schnyder's best result of the year had been a final showing at the UNIQA Grand Prix in Vienna in July.

Nagyova was playing in her first final of the year and 11th of her career, but failed to take her ninth singles crown.

She has not won a tournament since claiming this event four years ago.

Champion Schnyder said she had dedicated her win to her pet cat Rudi, who died two days ago.

"It was very hard to concentrate on the match after hearing the news," she admitted.

"I realise my last title on the Tour was three years ago - I know I have to concentrate more and play consistently.

"I'm enjoying playing on the Tour right now.

"I will enjoy a holiday in Pattaya until Wednesday with my boyfriend then go back to Switzerland and start training.

"I have to prepare for Gold Coast and the rest of the Australian circuit."

Runner-up Nagyova added: "It was a great week and a great tournament.

"I always enjoying come here - that's why I came back again this year.

"I tried my best but Patty played very well today.

"I also suffered from a stomach problem today - I don't know why it happened again."

Nagyova also suffered stomach pain at the same tournament last year, and handed Tatiana Panova a walkover in the semi-finals.

"But I am happy to finish this year's season," she admitted. "I will go back home tonight and holiday in the snow."