Schnyder lost the first set on a tiebreak but levelled the match after a thrilling second set tiebreak.

The 23-year-old fought off a match point before edging it 10-8.

Davenport's resistance was broken in the third which Schnyder won 6-3 to collect her first title of the season in front of a partisan Swiss crowd.

The American looked to be suffering few ill effects from the foot injury which hampered her during the semi-final against Justine Henin but had no answer to her opponent's fighting spirit.

However her appearance in the final guaranteed her a place at the season-ending championships in Los Angeles for which Schnyder is also well-placed to qualify.

"It has been a very emotional and special day for me and it has been a fantastic week. This is the biggest win of my career and the best day of my tennis life," said Schnyder.

"I was very nervous in the beginning but I recovered and I played pretty well."