Sharapova, Davydenko named Russia's top players
MOSCOW, Nov 26 (Reuters) Maria Sharapova and Nikolay Davydenko have been voted Russia's best players for the second year in a row, the country's tennis federation announced at its annual award gala today.
The Florida-based Sharapova has won five titles this year, including the U S Open, to finish number two in the world behind Belgian Justine Henin-Hardenne.
With seven Russian women in the world's top 16, the 19-year-old Siberian beat number four and French Open finalist Svetlana Kuznetsova and sixth-ranked Nadia Petrova for the top prize.
Davydenko also had a very productive year, winning five ATP titles and finishing as number three in the world, his highest career ranking.
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Story first published: Monday, November 27, 2006, 10:47 [IST]