Paris, May 29: Even though she's absent from the French Open Russian starlet Anna Kournikova has managed to put one over on one of her young rivals. German daily Bild asked its readers which they preferred – adorable Anna or her compatriot Maria Sharapova, a 16-year-old pin-up in the making.
Kournikova just won out with 51.5 per cent of respondents - running into the tens of thousands - picking her.
For the time being Kournikova is also ahead in the rankings - 78th to 138th for Sharapova, who lost in the first round here to Spaniard Magui Serna.
Serena Williams is playing it cool these days, unburdened following four straight grand slam wins by questions as to whether she will make the grade.
The defending women's champion admits to being a perfectionist - but is less tense than she used to be on court.



"I don't show my emotions as much anymore as I used to. I try not to wear them on my sleeve."



Naturally, the keen student of fashion prefers to wear her own designs.


Bureau Report