Kuznetsova stops Mauresmo after rain delay

Sep 24, 2006, 19:24 GMT

Beijing - Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova notched her fourth career title in Asia Sunday as she came back from a rain interruption to stun top seed Amelie Mauresmo 6-4, 6-0 to win the China Open.

The 21-year-old from St Petersburg will move back to fourth in the world as a result of her success in a match interrupted for two hours by the weather.

It marked Kuznetsova's forth trophy in the region after winning Bali three times, the last a week ago.

'I'm just so happy,' said Kuznetsova. 'I put pressure on her, as she was not at her best form today.'

The Russian won the last eight games in a purple patch after the delay.

'This was a great victory and it helps me to fourth in the world. I'm pleased with my form over the past few weeks, especially in Asia,' she said.

'I had problem with consistency last year. But now I'm just playing my best and focussing on match,' added the 2004 US Open champion.

World number 1 Mauresmo failed in her bid for final success on her first appearance in China. She had played nearly three hours a day before in subduing Serb Jelena Jankovic in the semi-finals.

Kuznetsova improved to 55-15 on the season while Mauresmo, reigning Australian Open and Wimbledon champion, took her 11th loss of 2006.

The French player had won her first four meeting with Kuznetsova, but had now dropped her last three, all this season.

Mauresmo said uncertainly plagued her after the weather interruption.

'We didn't know if we were going to start again or if we would have to return tomorrow,' said the 27-year-old. 'She dealt with conditions better than I did.'

Mauresmo added: 'I'm disappointed, she played much better than me, especially after the rain.'