Petrova overpowers champion Mauresmo

MADRID, Nov 7 (Reuters) World number one Amelie Mauresmo was overpowered by fifth-ranked Russian Nadia Petrova 6-2 6-2 in her opening round-robin match at the WTA championships in Madrid today.

Mauresmo, one of three players involved in the battle for the year-end number one spot, had been out of action for 10 days with a shoulder problem and was unable to find the range on her serve.

Petrova, runner-up to Maria Sharapova in Linz last month, quickly cranked up the pressure on last year's winner and broke in the second on the way to a 3-0 lead.

She used her aggressive play at the net to stop the Frenchwoman finding her rhythm and broke again at 5-2 up, taking the set with a fine running cross-court shot.

It was one-way traffic in the second set as Petrova raced into a 5-1 lead, and although Mauresmo broke back in the seventh and saved four match points, the Australian Open and Wimbledon champion eventually succumbed 6-2.

Although she leads the rankings, the only way Mauresmo can claim the year-end top spot is if she defends her title and rivals Justine Henin-Hardenne and Maria Sharapova slip up badly.

Sharapova, who comes into Madrid on a three-tournament winning streak, meets fellow Russian Elena Dementieva in the opening match in the red group later on Tuesday, while Henin-Hardenne takes on Martina Hingis in the second clash in the yellow group.

REUTERS DH BST0118