Zvonareva triumphs in Guangzhou

 

Originally published on: 26/02/10 12:02

The top-seeded Russian dropped the first set but hit back in style to post a 6-7 (4/7) 6-0 6-2 result against the local favourite.

It was the fifth time 24-year-old Zvonareva had reached a final this year and she adds to the title she won in Prague in May.

Defeat for Peng means she is still awaiting her first WTA crown, but Zvonareva believes her opponent has a bright future in the game.

“She’s a very good player and fights well, and she took advantage (in the first set),” said Zvonareva.

“But I had more experience behind my back and was able to turn the match around.

“We had a tough match in our first time playing each other. If she keeps playing like this, she has a great future.”

Peng is also hoping the experience of reaching a final in front of her home crowd will help her improve for next year’s event in Guangzhou.

“I was really happy I could get to the final,” she said. “There were a lot of fans here and whenever I was in a tough match they helped me fight through it.

“Every year this tournament gets better and I hope to be back here next year.”

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