Vera Zvonareva earned her maiden WTA Tour victory on Sunday with a rout of Conchita Martinez Granados in the final of the Croatian Bol Ladies' Open.

The 18-year-old Russian triumphed 6-1 6-3 in her second career championship match, earning £19,000 in prize-money.

She lost her first final in Palermo last year in three hours to Mariana Diaz-Oliva.

Zvonareva was a lot fresher on Sunday. The third seed won her third consecutive match in straight sets on clay, having dropped just one set this week.

She had a breakthrough year in 2002, rising from 371st in the world rankings to 45th. She has stepped up to the next level this year, reaching quarter-finals at her first two events in Auckland and Hobart and then at Tier I events at Indian Wells and Charleston.

This win will help her reach her goal of joining the top 20.

It was the first WTA Tour championship match for Martinez Granados. The 27-year-old Spaniard has won 10 career ITF crowns but has not been able to translate that success to the top circuit.

Zvonareva said: "It feels unbelievably great to win your first WTA Tour title. I am so happy right now, but I'll only have one day to celebrate as I have to be on court on Tuesday (in Berlin).

"I didn't have any expectations coming here. Every time I step on the court, I try to play my best tennis and show the people what I can do.

"As I said earlier this week, my goal now is the top 20 before aiming for the top 10."

Beaten Martinez Granados took consolation from her achievement in lasting the week in Croatia.

"I am very proud about my week and I'll reach my career highest ranking," she said.

"I gained a lot of confidence, I've been playing very well here, although today was not a good day for me.

"I was very nervous playing my first final and also quite tired. I couldn't run well. Vera played a great match, she'll be a top 10 player."