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Russia’s Kirilenko wins China Open singles title

BEIJING: Russia’s Maria Kirilenko won the China Open _ her first WTA singles title by defeating Germany’s Anna-Lena Groenefeld 6-3, 6-4 on Sunday.

Kirilenko, ranked No. 45 in the world, lifted both arms in jubilation as Groenefeld’s final shot sailed wide. “I’m so happy,” she said. “It’s unbelievable, my first WTA title.” Kirilenko had advanced to the final when World number 1 Maria Sharapova withdrew part way through their semifinal match Saturday with an injury.

She didn’t drop a single set on her way to the title, cruising past Jamea Jackson of the United States in the first round and Aiko Nakamura of Japan in the second and then ousting China’s Sun Tiantian in the quarterfinals. Sun had earlier upset defending champion Serena Williams, with Williams blaming a leg injury for her poor performance.

Number 30 ranked Groenefeld served hard in their final, but Kirilenko returned harder slamming shots down the line to break Groenefeld’s service game repeatedly. Groenefeld, who won a doubles tournament in Bali last week, was also competing for her first WTA singles title. It was an injury-plagued tournament. In addition to top-ranked Sharapova, top seeds Venus Williams and Lindsay Davenport also withdrew with injuries. In the doubles final Sunday, Nuria Llagostera Vives of Spain and Maria Vento-Kabchi of Venezuela defeated Chinese duo Yan Zi and Zheng Jie 6-2, 6-4. ap

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