Czech midfielder Radek Sirl netted the crucial goal early in the first half and, despite a tense finish, Zenit held on to become the first club from outside Moscow to win the Russian championship since Valeri Gazzaev's Alania Vladikavkaz achieved the feat in 1995.

The win means Zenit finish the season two points clear of championship rivals Spartak Moscow despite Stanislav Cherchesov's side beating Dinamo Moscow 2-1 to finish hot on Zenit's tail.

Zenit's goal came in the 14th minute when an Alejandro Domingues corner was headed against the crossbar, with the ball falling to Sirl who struck a deflected shot that spun wickedly over his Czech international team mate Anton Kinsky.

Hosts Saturn played more than a passing role in proceedings and at times made it very difficult for their visitors, with Zenit goalkeeper Vyacheslav Malafeev called into action with five minutes remaining to keep out a stinging shot from Andrei Karyaka.

Moments later the home side again came close to scoring what would have been a dramatic equaliser when Baffour Gyan's header was desperately headed back off the line via the crossbar by Zenit's Korean defender Kim Dong-Jin.

The final whistle sparked jubilant scenes inside the stadium as the thousands of travelling fans celebrated Zenit's first domestic success since winning the Soviet league in 1984.

Spartak finish the campaign in second place despite beating Dinamo Moscow 2-1 at the Luzhniki but can take consolation in a spot in the 2008-09 Champions' League.

Roman Pavluchenko opened the scoring in the 25th minute for Spartak before Brazilian striker Welliton doubled the lead seven minutes into the second half.

Dinamo, who finish the season in sixth position, gained a consolation through a 75th minute Radoslav Kovac own-goal.

Reigning champions CSKA Moscow take third place despite leaving it late against Rubin Kazan.

Sergei Ignashevich struck a sublime free-kick with 12 minutes to play to ensure Gazzaev's men a spot in the 2008-09 UEFA Cup at the expense of FC Moscow, who also won 3-1 at home to Luch-Energiya Vladivostok.

Roman Adamov netted twice for FC Moscow either side of a Branislav Krunic goal, whilst Maksim Astafjev netted a reply for Luch.

At the other end of the table, Kuban Krasnodar are relegated back to Division 1 at the first attempt despite a heroic 3-2 win away at Lokomotiv Moscow.

Dmitri Sychev opened the scoring for Lokomotiv from the penalty spot after 24 minutes, only for Ivailo Petkov to equalise for Kuban six minutes before half-time.

Kuban's Andrei Ushenin then struck two second half goals either side of a 76th minute Dramane Traore reply for Lokomotiv to give Kuban real hope of a reprieve, but their efforts proved to be in vain as news filtered through that Spartak Nalchik had held on to win 1-0 against Tom Tomsk.

Nazir Kazharov struck from close range on the stroke of half-time to ensure Spartak the victory they needed to ensure survival.

In the day's other games Khimki romped to a 4-1 victory over Krylya Sovetov, whilst relegated Rostov ended the season on a high with a 2-0 at home to Amkar Perm.