Garbine Muguruza sealed only the second WTA title of her career by claiming a straight-sets win over Timea Bacsinszky in the China Open final.

The Spaniard, whose only other Tour crown came at the Hobart International back in January 2014, prevailed 7-5 6-4 in Beijing. 

It is a victory that continues a stunning rise for the 22-year-old Venezuelan-born player, who lost the Wimbledon final to world number one Serena Williams earlier this year.

Muguruza was forced to retire with an ankle injury in the final of the Wuhan Open against Venus Williams last week, but will now be at number four when the rankings update on Monday.

Swiss Bacsinszky surged into a 5-2 lead in the first set, however, Muguruza produced a fine recovery to win five straight games and take an opening set that featured seven breaks of serve.

Bacsinszky, who will move into the top 10 by virtue of reaching the final, struck an early break to go 2-0 up in the second but saw Muguruza quickly respond to get things back on serve.

Both women displayed greater consistency on serve in the second until Bacsinszky finally cracked with a double fault that provided Muguruza with a chance to break for a 5-4 lead that she quickly snatched.

Muguruza was ruthless in closing out the match, with triumph sealed courtesy of a netted Bacsinszky backhand.

"For me, to be able to come and win the tournament after losing in the finals of Wuhan last week is a great achievement," Muguruza said.

"It's amazing, and I can't wait to come back and defend my title next year."

Despite her defeat, Bacsinszky - in an emotional speech - added: " I came from really, really far away, I almost retired two years ago, and this man over there, my coach, Dimitri [Zavialoff], thank you for helping me every day.

"You brought Stanislas [Wawrinka] to the top 10, and now you've brought me to the top 10. Thank you for every day."