Jidkova Claims Spot in Acura Classic Main Draw

Alina Jidkova, ranked 79 in the world, advanced to the main draw of the 2005 Acura Classic as she defeated Virginia Ruano Pascual of Spain in the final round of qualifying, 6-2, 2-6, 6-0.

Before a small crowd on a mostly sunny afternoon on Stadium Court at the La Costa Resort and Spa, Jidkova and Ruano Pascual battled for one-hour and 36 minutes.

Despite dropping her serve once, Jidkova could do little wrong in the first set. With a 5-2 lead, she broke the Spaniard at love to clinch the first set.

Ruano Pascual rallied to take a 5-1 lead in the second set and went on to even the match by winning the second set.

After holding serve to start the third set, Jidkova broke Ruano Pascual after a 12-point game to take a 2-0 lead.

The Russian lost only five points in the last four games to capture the final set at love and earn a spot in the main draw.

“I lost a little bit of concentration but I also think she played better in the second set and she didn’t miss as much as she did in the first,” Jidkova said. “It’s great to be in the main draw, I feel like I deserve to be there.”

• Jidkova was seeded third in the qualifying draw.
• Jidkova is appearing in her third Acura Classic. She qualified for the main draw in 2003.
• Jidkova defeated Ruano Pascual in the first round of the Australian Open this year.
• Jidkova resides in Coral Springs, Fla.
• Earlier this year, Jidkova reached her career-high ranking of 51 in the world.
• Ruano Pascual is ranked 118 in the world.
• Ruano Pascual is one of the premier doubles players in the world. Ranked number on in the world, she has won 33 WTA Tour doubles titles, including eight grand slam titles.
• Ruano Pascual will play with compatriot Conchita Martinez in the Acura Classic doubles main draw. They are seeded third.

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