Date:09/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/09/stories/2008110952801700.htm

Sport - Tennis

Nicole Thyssen tames Sanaa in final

MUZAFFAR NAGAR: Top-seeded Nicole Thyssen of the Netherlands overcame the hiccups to record a 7-6(2), 6-3 victory over Sanaa Bhambri in the final of the Bhavna Swarup memorial $10,000 ITF women’s tennis tournament at the Services Club here on Saturday.

Playing in front of thousands of spectators in a tournament at this level, thanks to the rare presence of Sania Mirza as the chief guest, the 230th ranked Nicole cut out the commotion around, to play her best tennis.

Nicole was a break down early in both the sets, as the crafty Sanaa broke her in the third game of the first set and the fourth game of the second, but that only strengthened the resolve of the Dutch to bring out her best game.

The fifth-seeded Sanaa matched her opponent well, particularly in the long rallies, but did not have the complete game of her strong rival that would make a difference to her fortunes.

To her credit, Sanaa fought back from being down 3-5 in the first set to force the tie-break, and in fact missed three breakpoints in the 11th game after getting the break-back in the ninth game.

Nicole served really well and that tilted the balance in her favour. She fought back from 1-3 down in the second set to race away with the next five games, to wind up the show.

“I had a good tournament. Nicole played better today. I will come back next year and try to win the title,” said the 20-year-old Sanaa.

Champion Nicole Thyssen said, “I enjoyed the tournament, and look forward to coming back next year.”