Russia's Kirilenko wins China Open
(AP)
Updated: 2005-09-25 21:50

Russia's Maria Kirilenko won the China Open _ her first WTA singles title _ by defeating Germany's Anna-Lena Groenefeld 6-3, 6-4 on Sunday, AP reported.

Kirilenko, ranked No. 45 in the world, lifted both arms in jubilation as Groenefeld's final shot sailed wide.

"I'm so happy," she said. "It's unbelievable, my first WTA title."

Kirilenko had advanced to the final when World No. 1 Maria Sharapova withdrew part way through their semifinal match Saturday with an injury.

Maria Kirilenko of Russia kisses the China Open trophy during a prize presentation ceremony at the Beijing Tennis Centre in Beijing September 25, 2005. Kirilenko beat Germany's Anna-Lena Groenefeld 6-3 6-4 to win the China Open on Sunday. [Reuters]

She didn't drop a single set on her way to the title, cruising past Jamea Jackson of the United States in the first round and Aiko Nakamura of Japan in the second and then ousting China's Sun Tiantian in the quarterfinals. Sun had earlier upset defending champion Serena Williams, with Williams blaming a leg injury for her poor performance.

No. 30 ranked Groenefeld served hard in their final, but Kirilenko returned harder _ slamming shots down the line to break Groenefeld's service game repeatedly.

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