Venus Williams won her 49th career title and first of 2016 at the Taiwan Open 2016

KAOHSIUNG, Taiwan

Taiwan Open top seed venus williams survived a topsy-turvy opening set against the always-dangerous Misaki dói to defeat the Japanesewoman, 6-4, 6-2, to win her 49th career title.

"I've had so much success in Asia,"
"I feel like it's very lucky to play here."

The American appeared to have things under control from the outset, but Doi, who held a match point against eventual Australian open champion Kerber in their Melbourne first round, rebounded in style to win four straight games and lead Williams by a break.

"My opponent was incredible today. I was leading in the first set and then suddenly she was leading!"

That proved to be the last major momentum swing, however, as the former No.1 swept the final three games to take the first set and drop just two more to win the final in just under 90 minutes.

"It's fun to win a final that was such a challenge, and I appreciated her game."