The 38-year-old rolled back the years to produce the kind of form that had made him the world number one back in 2003.

The final in Doha saw Samsonov clash with Germany's Olympic bronze medallist Dimitrij Ovtcharov, with the Belorussian taking swift control by winning the opening three games, 11-9, 11-8, 15-13.

However Ovtcharov responded in the fourth game by winning 11-6 but was unable to mount a sensational comeback due to Samsonov's imperious form, as he sealed his fourth game of the match 11-9 to seal his 26th World Tour title.

"I was down in the first game and won, but I think more importantly I was 4-8 behind in the third game and won; that was the crucial game in the match," said the winner afterwards.

"Dima [Ovtcharov] and myself, we know each other so well, we both play for the same club in the Russia League.

"I wanted to win and I am really happy that I won.

"I won in 2003 but I didn't expect to win this year; Qatar is always a strong tournament and this year I played well from the very start."

Romania's Elizabeta Samara earned the women's title ©Getty Images



In the women's competition the number seven seed Elizabeta Samara of Romania recorded her first ever victory over Germany's Han Ying.

Samara dominated in a surprisingly one-sided final, winning in straight games 11-6, 12-10, 11-6, 11-9, just four months after undergoing knee surgery.

"This victory means a lot to me, as it is my first Super Series title and my third World Tour victory overall.

"Plus my first one since my knee operation."

Portugal's Marcos Freitas and Croatia's Andrej Gaćina joined forces to win the men's doubles title over Hugo Calderano and Gustavo Tsuboi, with the Brazilian duo making history despite defeat, having become the first ever Latin Americans to advance to a World Tour Super Series Final.

The women's doubles crown was won by Hong Kong's Jiang Huajun and Tie Yana, claiming the fourth World Tour title.

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