Maria Sharapova of Russia celebrates after winning the woman's singles final match against Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic at the China Open tennis tournament in Beijing October 5, 2014. [Photo/Agencies]

BEIJING - Russian Maria Sharapova overcame Czech Petra Kvitova 6-4 2-6 6-3 in the final of the China Open to claim the title and move up to number two in the world rankings on Sunday.

Wimbledon Open champion Kvitova broke her opponent in the very first game but Sharapova showed greater intensity towards the end to prevail in a contest that lasted two hours and 28 minutes.

French Open champion Sharapova broke her opponent twice to claim the first set but Kvitova unleashed 15 winners in the second to force a decider.

Sharapova raised her game in the third set to lead 5-3 before serving out the match and raising her hands in celebration after Kvitova buried a return into the net.

World number one Novak Djokovic takes on Tomas Berdych in the men's final later on Sunday.