Shaughnessy wins battle of the sluggers

0 Comments | AFP, March, 2004

DOHA (AFP) — American Meghann Shaughnessy won the battle of the heavy hitters against Alicia Molik of Australia in the WTA Qatar Open.

Two Chinese players, Jie Zheng and Li Ting, and Jelena Kostanic of Croatia wre also among the early winners.

Shaughnessy, who accounted for compatriot Venus Williams in Dubai last week, defeated Molik 6-4, 6-3.

The American, who has won three singles titles to her opponent's one, needed just one break in the third game to pocket the first set.

Molik fumbled and failed to raise her game in the second set and was broken in the fifth game, conceding the lead 2-4 to her opponent.

Shaughnessy, who rose as high as No 11 in the world rankings in 2002, again broke Molik to love in the ninth game to book her place in...