Dementieva Moves Into Acura Classic Quarterfinals

Fifth-seeded Elena Dementieva became the first player to reach the quarterfinals of the Acura Classic as she defeated fellow Russian Elena Likhovtseva, 6-2, 7-6 (2), in a third-round match on Stadium Court.

On a bright, sunny day at the La Costa Resort and Spa, Likhovtseva combined for 11 breaks of serve in the third-round match, which lasted one-hour and 25 minutes.

In the first set, Likhovtseva served at 2-4, but double faulted on break point to give Dementieva a 5-2 lead.

Dementieva overcame two double faults and went on to serve out the set, 6-2.

In the second set, the lead swung back and fourth as neither player could sustain an advantage. At 5-5, Likhovtseva lost serve when her backhand fell into the net on break point.

Serving for the match at 6-5, Dementieva was unable to put away the match as she double faulted twice at 30-30.

After committing a forehand error to open the tiebreaker, Dementieva went on to win the next six points in a row to get to match point.

Likhovtseva saved one match point when she used her touch to hit a backhand half-volley winner.

The match ended on the next point when Likhovtseva netted a forehand.

• Dementieva will play the winner of the Amy Frazier / Alicia Molik match in the quarterfinals.
• Dementieva now  leads Likhovtseva 3-1 in career head-to-head meetings.
• Dementieva is ranked sixth in the world.
• Dementieva is playing in her fifth Acura Classic. She had never been past the third round prior to this year.
• Dementieva’s 2004 match record improves to 21-12.
• Dementieva reached the finals of this year’s French Open. She lost to her fellow Russian, Anastasia Myskina.
• Likhovtseva is ranked 35 in the world.
• Likhovtseva’s 2004 match record falls to 17-19.
• Likhovtseva was making her 12th straight Acura Classic appearance. She reached the quarterfinals here in 1993 and 2003.

Click Here for more Match Summaries.