DUBAI (UAE), Feb 20: Soon to be crowned world number one Venus Williams advanced to the quarterfinals of the Dubai Tennis Championships Wednesday after beating Anna Kournikova for the second time in two weeks.

Williams defeated the Russian 6-2 7-6, but the Wimbledon and U.S. champion said she is putting all thoughts of replacing Jennifer Capriati as world number one to the back of her mind.

“It is a good feeling to know that next week I’ll be number one, but it’s about this week right now and finishing strong on my first part of the year,” Williams told reporters after her 6-2 7-6 victory.

Windy conditions played their part in what was a disappointing and scrappy match, with both players committing a stream of errors.

Results:

Amelie Mauresmo (France) bt Emmanuelle Gagliardi (Switzerland) 6-3 6-2; Venus Williams (U.S.) bt Anna Kournikova (Russia) 6-2 7-6 (7-3); Tina Pisnik (Slovenia) bt Barbara Rittner (Germany) 7-5 6-4; Angeles Montolio (Spain) bt Janette Husarova (Slovakia) 6-3 6-2’ Tamarine Tanasugarn (Thailand) bt Tatiana Panova (Russia) 6-2 6-3—Reuters