Daniilidou successfully defends ASB title against Harkleroad

AUCKLAND, New Zealand -- Eleni Daniilidou beat American Ashley Harkleroad 6-3, 6-2 Saturday to become the first player in 15 years to defend the singles title at the ASB Classic women's tennis tournament.

The third-seeded Daniilidou claimed her third title on the WTA Tour and improved her world ranking to 23. The last back-to-winner of the Auckland event was American Patty Fendick in 1988 and 1989.

"I'm a little bit surprised to have won again," she said. "I didn't expect it but I gave 100 percent to each match and the results came.

"I didn't feel very confident all week but sometimes you don't feel great but when you fight you get the result."

Daniilidou won five straight games after falling behind 3-1 to win the first set and then easily beat Harkleroad, who was playing her first tournament final.

Daniilidou had five service breaks in two sets while Harkleroad broke only twice. Daniilidou also hit 29 winners, mostly off the forehand, and was able to easily overcome her six double faults.

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