Sharapova, who has now won three of the WTA Tour's top 10 events, still has a chance to finish the year as the top-ranked player.

Amelie Mauresmo, who withdrew from the Zurich Open with a shoulder injury, and second-ranked Justine Henin-Hardenne, who hasn't played since mid-September because of a knee problem, still lead the U.S. Open champion in the rankings.

Mauresmo leads Sharapova by 630 points, but many of the Frenchwoman's points will expire before this season ends.

Sharapova, who withdrew from the recent Kremlin Cup with a foot injury and said she was playing through pain in Zurich, also won Tier I events in San Diego and Indian Wells, California.

Hantuchova had to save three break points on her first serve before Sharapova swept the next six games.

Both players took advantage of the on-court coaching, which is allowed at this tournament, after the first set. Sharapova spoke to coach Mike Joyce, while Hantuchova conversed with her mother.

The motherly advice seemed to help. Hantuchova broke Sharapova's opening serve in the second set and then saved five break points in the final game to even the match.

Before the final set, Sharapova took a bathroom break, and her father appeared to follow. Hantuchova again spoke to her mother, but it didn't prove to be as effective.

Sharapova broke to take a 3-1 lead in the final set and seemed in control, holding serve and winning with an ace down the middle.

Hantuchova, who has only one career title, was playing in a final for the first time in 14 months.