Hsu claims singles title at Garden City Open

Fifth seed Ching-Wen Hsu of Chinese Taipei claimed her second title of the season when she defeated second seed Fatma Al Nabhani of Oman 6-4, 6-4 in the final of the Zuari Garden City Open ITF women's tennis tournament here Saturday.

Hsu was aided by some indifferent play by her higher ranked opponent who committed too many unforced errors to nurture any hopes of clinching the title.

The Omani started the match with a double fault and the first set was filled with breaks, the two players managing to hold serve just thrice, Hsu holding twice to win the opening set.

The second set saw better play by the two opponents. Fatma showed shades of brilliance that brought her into the title round. But Hsu, who was ranked No. 6 in the World in Junior competition last year was up to the task and dictated terms having won the first set.

Both players held serve in the first four games of the second set before Hsu broke Nabhani in the fifth, that break proving proverbial for her in claiming the title.

With this win, Hsu claimed 12 WTA points and a cheque for $1,568 while Al Nabahani had to be content with seven WTA points and a cheque for $980.

Local lass Sharmadaa Baluu gave herself a wonderful birthday present when she and her partner Prarthana Thombare claimed the doubles crown defeating third seeds Natasha Palah (India) and Ching-Wen Hsu 6-4, 0-6, 10-6.

The victory earned Baluu and Thombare $637 and 12 WTA points whie Palah and Hsu took home $343 and seven WTA points.