Monday, 7 January, 2008

Wimbledon champion Venus Williams overcame injury and testing conditions to land a third title at the JB Group Classic in Hong Kong with a 6-4 6-3 victory over world number five Maria Sharapova.

Williams received treatment for hamstring and back complaints during Friday's semi-final victory over Elena Dementieva and also damaged her troublesome left wrist earlier in the week, but after a vigorous pre-match warm-up, the world number eight sealed victory in 80 minutes in sweltering heat at Victoria Park.

"The hamstring was much better. I got a ton of treatment and I felt a lot better," said Williams after the win.

"I am still not sure what it was exactly; I think it was just a little bit of everything but that is sport.

"It is a little strange when you don't know exactly what it is but I have overcome it. It was much better.

"I think every athlete has a certain tolerance for pain, I can't say mine is extremely high, but I felt good enough for the match."

In a tight start to the contest, Williams had several chances to break the Russian's serve and finally took her opportunity after 40 minutes of action to seal the opening set on the first break point after Sharapova netted following a long baseline rally.

The second set was also a tight affair until Williams grabbed another break in the sixth game to take a 4-2 lead before Sharapova, who beat compatriot Anna Chakvetadze to reach the final, saved two match points on her own serve in the eighth game.

But the American six-time grand slam winner was not to be denied as Williams sealed the victory with a fine passing shot after bringing up two match points to hand Sharapova a second consecutive finals defeat in Hong Kong after she lost to Kim Clijsters last year.

"I got my racquet on the ball and played it deep. I served well, I returned okay so it was about doing everything good as she is a very good opponent and I knew I would have to bring my best game," added Williams.

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