Other Publications
Martinez Sanchez stifles Szavay
Fri, 11/06/2009 2:45 PM | Sports
Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez, fresh from taking the doubles title in Doha, continued her winning form at the Commonwealth Bank Tournament of Champions on Thursday.
The Spanish world number 30 and 6th seed here overcame erratic net play in the opening set for a 4-6, 6-4, 6-0, defeat of Hungary's Agnes Szavay in Group B of the round-robin tournament.
In the final match of the day, Japanese veteran and crowd favorite Kimiko Date-Krumm beat Spaniard Anabel Medina Garrigues 6-4, 6-3 to keep a slim hope alive of advancing from Group C. The 39-year-old would advance to the last four if Medina Garrigues beats 3rd seeded Belgian Yanina Wickmayer on Friday.
In a contest of two aggressive all-court players, Sanchez and 2nd seeded Australian Samantah Stosur will meet in Friday's opening match for a place in the semifinals.
The left-handed Martinez Sanchez has focused on using a more attacking serve-and-volley game in the past year. But she admitted that it deserted her in the first set.
"The court is very different, and I've only had two days to practice. And it's also the end of the season."
After swapping breaks in the first two games of the second set, the women held serve, with Martinez Sanchez holding at love to go ahead 5-4. She then broke to force the decider.
The 27-year-old continued to up the power and this time her attacking game worked to perfection. Szavay wilted under the pressure, committing two double faults in her first service game of the final set.
Szavay, who said after the match that she is still recovering from illness, admitted she had no reserves left for the deciding set.
"She is very strong on this surface, especially when her serve is on," said the 20-year-old Szavay, who was eliminated from the tournament with her second consecutive loss.
"I woke up late today. But it's better late than never," Martinez Sanchez said.
- JP/Musthofid and Bruce Emond
What's On
- Festival of India
10/29/2009 12/15/2009 Balai Kartini & Umar Ismail Hall, Jakarta
- Imagemakers of the Future: Photography exhibition
10/10/2009 11/30/2009 Alila Ubud Desa Melinggih Kelod Payangan, Gianyar 80572, Bali - Timeless Change
11/05/2009 12/07/2009 Ganesha Gallery, Four Seasons Hotel Jimbaran, Bali. - Choreography of Colours; Sardono W. Kusumo's first solo painting exhibition
11/12/2009 12/12/2009 vivi yip art room Annexe Ciputra World Marketing Gallery Jalan Prof Satrio Kav 11, Casablanca