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Schnyder beats Paszek to claim Bali title

September 14, 2008 21:59 IST

Switzerland's Patty Schnyder defeated Austrian teenager Tamira Paszek 6-3, 6-0 on Sunday to win the Bali Classic.

The win was the 500th singles victory of her career and her 11th title, but her first in more than three years.

Schnyder's last tournament victory came at Cincinnati in July 2005, after which she lost seven finals.

Paszek, who earned victory over three seeded opponents on her way to the final, had been seeking her first title since winning Portoroz in September 2006.

"I'm very happy and also very tired," said Schnyder, who had twice lost in the semi-finals. "I wanted to win this tournament and I did. She pushed me all the way and I had to do my best and move well. She would not allow me to lose my focus."

Schnyder took just 67 minutes to overcome her 17-year-old opponent after a difficult start.

The Swiss left-hander faced a break point in the opening game. Although she broke for 2-0 when Paszek netted a backhand she lost her own serve in the next game on Paszek's seventh break point.

Schnyder eventually pulled in front again when Paszek made another backhand error to give away a break for 4-2, and that was enough to decide the outcome of the first set.

Paszek made yet another backhand error to drop her serve at the beginning of the second set, then dropped her serve to love to give Schnyder a 3-0 lead.

Clearly disheartened and looking weary after one of the best weeks of her career, Paszek was unable to lift herself for a late challenge and a volley error left Schnyder serving for the match.

"I congratulate Patty, she played amazing today," said Paszek. "She really deserved to win. I had a couple of tough matches this week and I'm a little tired and feel it in my legs."

Source: REUTERS
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