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Chanda starts strong Rubin begins title defense at Tasmanian International
Posted: Monday January 10, 2000 11:24 AM
HOBART (Reuters) -- Defending champion Chanda Rubin opened her title defence at the Tasmanian International tournament on Monday with a win over an angry Nicole Pratt. The American fourth seed, who won 6-2 6-7 6-3, had looked on course for a relatively easy first round victory after an uneventful first set. However, the Australian fought back in the second set and became increasingly angry over a series of line calls she felt went against her. Pratt eventually earned a code violation for time wasting from chair umpire Di Larkin over her continued disputes and refused to shake hands with Larkin after the match. Rubin described the delays caused by Pratt's arguments over line calls as frustrating. Fifth seed Natalie Dechy of France retired hurt with a pulled hamstring in the second set of her match against Catalina Cristea of Romania. Spain's Gala Leon Garcia fought back from the brink of defeat to topple big-serving Australian Alicia Molik 3-6 7-6 6-2. Molik had served for the match at 5-3 in the second set.
Copyright 2003 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved.
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