VIENNA (AFP) - France's deposed world number one Amelie Mauresmo sauntered to a 14th career WTA success here as she thrashed Elena Bovina of Russia 6-2, 6-0 in the 585,000 dollars tournament.
The 25-year-old took just over an hour to see off Bovina and admitted she had expected a tougher battle against her 21-year-old opponent, ranked 19th in the world.
"I came here to win but I was expecting a more difficult clash in the final as our previous two meetings went to three sets," said Mauresmo, who has beaten Bovina in all their three meetings.
"Bovina gave her all to the end and even had a break point which I saved. I made the right decision coming here ....it is great," added Mauresmo, who had made a late decision to play here as she was still concerned by her groin injury that kept her out of action since October 10 and allowed American Lindsay Davenport to replace her as world number one.
Bovina for her part was left shellshocked by the rout.
"I just couldn't get into the match at all.
"I didn't know what to do, she was playing too well."
Despite her strong service, Bovina was let down throughout the final by her unforced errors which were punished relentlessly by the powerfully built Mauresmo.
Victory for Mauresmo gave her her fourth title of the year after winning at Berlin, Rome and Montreal, though a Grand Slam title is still missing from her trophy cabinet.
10/31/2004 - 16:25 GMT - AFP