Palermo (Sicily), July 14: Russian teenage sensation Dinara Safina downed Katarina Srebotnik in straight sets yesterday to clinch the US$110,000 Palermo International on clay for her second WTA title.

Safina, ranked 60th in the WTA computer lists and the no. 9 seed in Palermo, defeated the fourth-seeded Slovenian 6-3 6-4. Last year, she won her first title at the Polish Open, becoming the WTA tour's youngest champion.

Safina, the 17-year-old sister of Russian star Marat Safin, played powerful, consistent tennis as she sailed to victory at the country club in the Sicilian capital.
Srebotnik, a 22-year-old ranked 42nd in the world, survived three match points before falling to her Russian opponent, who pocketed a first prize of US$16,000.
The Italian pair of Adriana Serra Zanetti and Emily Stellato, a wild card entry, took the doubles title, defeating Spain's Maria Jose Martinez and Arantxa Parra 6-4 6-2.


Bureau Report