Venus Williams beats Laine in fading light

PARIS, May 31 (Reuters) American Venus Williams gave the late-night crowd something to cheer at the French Open today as she beat Emma Laine of Finland 7-6 6-2 in fading light to reach the third round.

In a match which finished at 9.48 pm in front of around 100 spectators, the Wimbledon champion clinched victory with a forehand winner and will play Karolina Sprem of Croatia in round three.

On a rain-hit day, the two players did not even get on to centre court until after 8 pm and an out-of-sorts Williams quickly found herself 4-0 down to the world number 71.

But the 11th seed, runner-up at Roland Garros in 2002, hit back well and snatched the tie-break 7-2 before clinching victory just before the light faded completely.

Reuters VJ VP0145