Sharapova tops Venus in Chiang Mai
BANGKOK: Reigning Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova overpowered American Venus Williams yesterday in an exhibition match in northern Thailand overshadowed by last week's tsunamis that ravaged the kingdom and much of Asia.
The two stars appeared all business in the opening games, matching each other's trademark booming serves and groundstrokes with the Russian teenager prevailing in straight sets 6-4, 6-3.
The match in the northern city of Chiang Mai's 700th Anniversary Stadium had been scheduled for several weeks in advance as a showcase for next October's inaugural WTA Thailand Open, but it was transformed into a show of moral support for the kingdom that was devastated by nature's wrath.
Sharapova wore a black ribbon on her white uniform in memory of the massive number of dead from the disaster, which includes nearly 5,000 in Thailand. On her arrival days earlier she pledged US$10,000 to assist the tsunami victims in the kingdom.
The gesture earned widespread praise in the kingdom and was personally accepted by Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra.
“I love Thailand,” a smiling Venus told the crowd of about 4,000 after the match. “I've had a great time, you guys have been wonderful.”
Sharapova, who like Williams was on her first visit to Thailand, said she had ridden on elephants in the mountainous north.
Neither mentioned the tsunamis in their post-match addresses, but on her arrival on Thursday Sharapova reportedly said she was “devastated by the disaster”.
Although a gala dinner to be held for the players was cancelled out of respect for the unprecedented loss of life, organisers determined it was best if the exhibition between two of the world's most colourful characters in the game went ahead. – AFP
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