Maria Sharapova captured her first title of the season on Sunday at the Acura Classic after the top-seeded Russian defeated Switzerland's Patty Schnyder 6-2 3-6 6-0 in the final.

The tournament's defending champion, Sharapova appeared to be on her way to another runaway victory after taking the first set in convincing fashion. However, Schnyder won a critical break point in the second set to go ahead 5-3 and served out the set to force the winner-take-all finale.

"I don't think we've ever played an easy match," Sharapova said. "She's a lefty so she makes it extra tricky for everyone."

Sharapova restored her momentum in the decisive set, breaking Schnyder in the second game before winning the final four games to close out the match.

The world's number two Sharapova improved to 6-1 lifetime against Schnyder and has won the last five meetings between the players, including a thrilling three-set triumph in the fourth round of this year's French Open.

The second-set defeat ended Sharapova's 19-set winning streak at this tournament, which was being played for the final time.

In winning her first tournament since Linz last October, the 20-year-old Russian appears fully recovered from a shoulder injury which had sidelined her since Wimbledon.

"I won here last year and went on on to win the US Open so it does help my confidence," Sharapova added.

The 28-year-old Schnyder has not won a title since the 2005 season opener at Gold Coast - her 10th career championship.