Russia's Olympic trio hope to dominate China Open again

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(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-10-03 09:25

BEIJING: Spearheaded by world number one Dinara Safina, the Russian girls look to call the shots again at the Olympic Green Tennis Centre where they had a clean sweep of the podium at the Olympic tennis tournament just one year ago.

Witnessing Safina and her compatriots Elena Dementieva and Vera Zvonareva grab the medals of all colors last year, the Olympic venue welcomed the elevation of the China Open WTA tournament and became home of the 4.5 million elite tournament, only one of the four "crown jewels" of women's tennis.

"I had great time in Beijing Olympics and China Open last year. I was so lucky to win an Olympic medal," said seventh seeded Zvonareva on Friday, winning the bronze medal at the Beijing Olympics.

"For this year, I will try best no matter how tough the competition will be and see where it's gonna take me."

Safina, who is still hunting for the first ever Grand Slam to underline her credentials, was the first star coming into the Olympic city.

The 23-year-old, the Olympic sliver medalist, seemed not in God's favor this year as she reached the finals of the Australian Open and Roland Garros, falling short of the mark both times.

However, the gritty girl managed to retain the momentum at her side to win titles at Rome, Madrid and Portoroz this season. She will be showing her battling qualities in each single match at the upcoming China Open.

Safina will be playing against Italy's Roberta Vinci in the first round. She will be joined by Olympic champion Dementieva and Zvorareva in the top half.

The bottom half looks on course for a family collision as second seed Serena Williams and her sister Venus, third seed of the women's draw, will be heading for a possible clash.

The only problem may come from another Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova, who is seeded sixth at the event.

"I have great memories in China Open. There were a lot of fans of me and they always supported me. It also has good organization every year. So it's very nice to come back and play tennis here again," said Kuznetsova, who won her second Grand Slam trophy this season at Roland Garros.

"The tennis players had tough schedules so we can't have a good form all the time. I just prepare my matches and practice hard to play well," added Kuznetsova, winner of the China Open in 2006.

The bottom half also features pin-up girls Maria Sharapova and Serbians Ana Ivanovic and Jelena Jankovic. They may bring in strong tickets sale but can't guarantee their easy pass to the final.

China's Zheng Jie, who claimed hearts of many by reaching Wimbledon last four last season, will be facing the toughest draw ever at the home event as she is drawn to meet Kuznetsova in the opening round.

"It will be very difficult, I will try my best to beat her, let's see what's gonna happen," said the world number 32, still treating her wrist injury.

Another Chinese ace Li Na is seeded 16 in the top half. By reaching top four of the ongoing Japan Open, the upsurging girl is enjoying bye in the first round of the 64-strong draw.