The White Began First
The round-robin Tour Sony Ericson Championships opened in Doha yesterday, November 4, 2008. The prize fund equals $3.8 million and half of the participants stand for Russia.
The White Group was the first to clash at Doha Championships. Russia’s Vera Zvonareva overwhelmed compatriot Svetlana Kuznetsova, while Jelena Jankovic of Serbia outclassed Serbian Ana Ivanovic.
The presence of the world No.1 Jelena Jankovic in the White Group notwithstanding, it isn’t the latter but rather the Red Group that is of more starring nature. Indeed, amid the Reds are Wimbledon champ Venus Williams, US Open winner Serena Williams, Olympic champ Elena Dementieva and Olympic silver medalist Dinara Safina.
The championships opened by the Russian battle. Vera Zvonareva needed an hour and 20 minutes to beat Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-2 6-3 despite that she is by far not the favorite of Doha matches.
Ana Ivanovic and Jelena Jankovic were the next to play. Ivanovic that had had the personal winning record of 6-1 yielded yesterday mostly on the instability that haunted her in the recent months. Besides, her physical condition apparently leaves much to be desired. As a result, Jankovic easily won two sets to record the first victory en route to the prize fund.
Zvonareva yet leads in the White Group, but her leadership appears ghostly, as it is ensured by the better game difference vs the following Jankovic.
www.kommersant.com
All the Article in Russian as of Nov. 05, 2008
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