DUBAI: Division Day - 網球

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DUBAI: Division Day
23/02/2006:

Justine, in her first match played since the Australian Open final, defeated
qualifier Kateryna Bondarenko 6-4 7-5 to reach the quarterfinals. Still with
lingering physical problems, the four-time Grand Slam champion was down 0-3
in the second set. Justine was lifted by enthusiastic support from the Dubai
crowd with chants of her name, and she held strong for the win in two sets to
a standing ovation.

On the first day of play for top seeds with byes, Justine managed to divide
herself away from the fallen lower seeded. The Belgian played 19 year old
qualifier Ukrainian Kateryna Bondarenko, who found her form this week, and
eliminated a top 40 player in round 1 of the main draw. Blowing hot, and cold
Justine played well enough on crucial breakpoint moments in the first set.
She also tested her serve, and came up with an ace that presented a
comfortable lead of 4-2. Justine capitalized on errors from her younger
opponent, and grabbed the first set 6-4 in 37 minutes.

The second set started with a cold Justine. She was down 0-3 with passive
play, and stuck far beyond the baseline. Lifted by the encouraging crowd
Justine fought back, and levelled the score from 1-4 down to 4-4. The Belgian
was broken immediately, but she found her best shots, and sublime one-handed
backhand in the last games. Justine found closure on her first match point
7-5, and was given a standing ovation by the appreciative crowd.

Final Score: 6-4 7-5 in 1hr 34 mins


Justine will play Francesca Schiavone (WTA#11) in the quarterfinals late
Thursday afternoon. She expects this to be another hard fought battle with
the fiery Italian, whom she played against at Sydney last month in a
thrilling 3 set final.

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