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October 3, 2010

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Wozniacki triumphs to close in on top ranking

TOP seed Caroline Wozniacki outfought Russia's Elena Dementieva 1-6, 6-2, 6-3 to win the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo yesterday.

Victory in the US$2 million tournament means the Dane can leapfrog American Serena Williams at the top of the world rankings if she reaches the quarterfinals at the China Open in Beijing this week.

"Of course being No. 1 has always been a goal of mine but I'm just focusing on winning the next tournament," Wozniacki told reporters after winning her fifth title of 2010.

"I feel I can beat anyone now," added the 20-year-old. "I have grown a bit not only physically but mentally. It's my 11th (career) title. I'm so happy."

Seventh seed Dementieva rued missed opportunities after suffering an abrupt meltdown at the business end of the deciding set in the Tokyo sunshine.

The Russian dumped a routine forehand into the net to gift Wozniacki a break at 4-3 and never fully recovered her composure, double-faulting twice in a row to surrender the contest.

"That was not the most exciting way to finish the match," said Dementieva. "I didn't use my opportunities and let her get back in it. I allowed her to play the way she likes to."

Wozniacki improved to 4-3 against Dementieva, who is 11th in the world rankings.

"Elena was playing well in the first set, getting a lot of first shots in," Wozniacki said. "In the second set I really didn't have anything to lose so I just tried to get some more depth on the balls and make her run a little more."

Wozniacki pocketed US$350,000 while former champion Dementieva took home US$175,000.


 

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