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No sweat for Belgians to advance in Canadian Open
Toronto, Canada, Aug 14: New world number one Kim Clijsters barely broke sweat in humid conditions, sweeping past Italy`s Francesca Schiavone 6-1 6-2 in the second round of the 1.3 million dollars Canadian Open.
Toronto, Canada, Aug 14: New world number one Kim Clijsters barely broke sweat in humid conditions, sweeping past Italy's Francesca Schiavone 6-1 6-2 in the second round of the 1.3 million dollars Canadian Open.
Clijsters, who took over from Serena Williams at the top of the rankings after her title triumph in Los Angeles last Sunday, was too powerful for an opponent she has seen plenty of in recent weeks.
''I've played her three of the past four tournaments,'' the Belgian told reporters yesterday. ''I played a very good match today, I didn't expect to beat her this well. I never gave her a chance to get back in the match.''
Second seed Justine Henin-Hardenne also began her campaign in determined fashion by brushing aside Marion Bartoli of France 6-3 6-3.
The world number three from Belgium is chasing her sixth title of the year.
Defending champion Amelie Mauresmo of France, the third seed, overcame an early fright to defeat Russia's Elena Likhovtseva 3-6 6-1 6-2 while fourth seed Daniela Hantuchova of Slovakia raced past American Jill Craybas 6-1 6-2.
Fifth seed Anastasia Myskina of Russia put out Australia's Nicole Pratt 3-6 7-6 6-4 and there were also victories for Elena Dementieva (9), Vera Zvonareva (10), Elena Bovina (12) and Nadia Petrova (14).
But former French and Australian Open champion Mary Pierce bowed out 6-4 7-5 to Paola Suarez of Argentina.
Bureau Report
Clijsters, who took over from Serena Williams at the top of the rankings after her title triumph in Los Angeles last Sunday, was too powerful for an opponent she has seen plenty of in recent weeks.
''I've played her three of the past four tournaments,'' the Belgian told reporters yesterday. ''I played a very good match today, I didn't expect to beat her this well. I never gave her a chance to get back in the match.''
Second seed Justine Henin-Hardenne also began her campaign in determined fashion by brushing aside Marion Bartoli of France 6-3 6-3.
The world number three from Belgium is chasing her sixth title of the year.
Defending champion Amelie Mauresmo of France, the third seed, overcame an early fright to defeat Russia's Elena Likhovtseva 3-6 6-1 6-2 while fourth seed Daniela Hantuchova of Slovakia raced past American Jill Craybas 6-1 6-2.
Fifth seed Anastasia Myskina of Russia put out Australia's Nicole Pratt 3-6 7-6 6-4 and there were also victories for Elena Dementieva (9), Vera Zvonareva (10), Elena Bovina (12) and Nadia Petrova (14).
But former French and Australian Open champion Mary Pierce bowed out 6-4 7-5 to Paola Suarez of Argentina.
Bureau Report