Bovina defeats Dechy to take title
NEW YORK -- Elena Bovina added her name to the list of Russians to watch at next week's U.S. Open when she beat Nathalie Dechy to win the New Haven Open.
The world number 27 survived a mid-match wobble against her French opponent before clinching the biggest title of her career 6-2 2-6 7-5.
Seventh seed Bovina thrashed higher-ranked compatriot Elena Dementieva in Friday's semi-final and her rich vein of form continued on a muggy afternoon in New Haven, Connecticut.
Bovina, who reached the quarter-finals of the U.S. Open in 2002, lost her way after cruising through the first set. She was the stronger player, though, in the decider and broke Dechy with some fierce hitting in the 12th game.
"I'm delighted," said the 21-year-old. "I didn't play my best because I was a bit nervous. I got tight in the second set but I managed to hold it together at the end."
Five of the top 10 seeds in the U.S. Open women's singles are Russian, while Bovina is seeded at 26.
