Clijsters takes WTA crown in Doha

Belgian beats world number one Caroline Wozniacki 6-3, 5-7, 6-3 to win season-ending title.

Kim Clijsters
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It is the third time that Clijsters, right, has won the end-of-season tournament [AFP]

Kim Clijsters has taken victory in the end-of-season WTA Championships, beating Caroline Wozniacki, the world’s number one, by two sets to one.

The win in Doha, Qatar’s capital, on Sunday was the third time Belgian Clijsters has won the tournament, after victories in 2002 and 2003.

She beat Dane Wozniacki 6-3, 5-7, 6-3, after qualifying for the event by winning the US Open in September.

However, it was Clijsters’ first tournament since her grand slam win in New York, having to subsequently undergo surgery to remove a mole from her foot.

“It felt like it was never going to end,” Clijsters, 27, said after the match.

“It was a really tough battle with some great shots, great tennis and great fitness. I’m glad that I won, obviously it’s disappointing for Caroline but I don’t know how many more years I’m going to keep doing this.

“She has a great future ahead of her.”

Clijsters takes $1.5 million in prize money for winning the tournament.

Wozniacki, 20, was happy with her performance over the course of the tournament: “It’s been a fantastic week for me.

“Kim just played amazing today and she deserved to win.”

Source: News Agencies