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| February 26, 2007 | Monday | Safar 8, 1428 |
Henin primed for second straight Gulf crown
DOHA, Feb 25: World No. 2 Justine Henin will make the short trip to the Qatar Open with the aim of claiming her second Gulf title in as many weeks on the WTA Tour.
Henin on Saturday defeated Amelie Mauresmo in the final of the Dubai Open, where she has won 16 matches on the trot, thereby claiming the title all the four times she has played there.
The Belgian will be making only her second appearance in Qatar, her 2004 campaign ending in the semifinals at the hands of Svetlana Kuznetsova, but will do so with renewed belief in her ability following the recent break-up of her marriage.
Russian Kuznetsova, who was unseeded back then, is however the second seed now and so the duo can only meet in the final. Both players have easy draws, but with inaugural winner Martina Hingis also in the mix, it promises to be an exciting battle for the 222,000 dollar top prize on Saturday.
The tournament offers 1.34 million dollars as against the 600,000 paid out in 2004, 2005 and 2006.—AFP
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