Kuznetsova Ousted as Sugiyama Advances

In her 11 career appearances at the Acura Classic, Japan’s Ai Sugiyama has beaten some big names including Jennifer Capriati, Kim Clijsters, Mary Pierce and Steffi Graf.

Following her third-round match on Stadium Court this afternoon, she can now add Svetlana Kuznetsova’s name to the list as she eliminated the tournament’s second-seed, 2-6, 6-4, 6-3 in two-hours and 22 minutes.

Kuznetsova dominated the first set winning it in 30 minutes as she broke Sugiyama’s serve twice late in the set.

After gaining a service break in the first game of the second set, Sugiyama saved three break points before holding serve for a 2-0 lead.

Sugiyama went on to build a 5-1 lead and despite losing her serve in the eighth game, held on to win the set and even the match.

In the third set Kuznetsova lost concentration and dropped her serve twice as Sugiyama wrapped up the victory by breaking the Russian at 6-5.

• Sugiyama advances to the quarterfinals where she will meet Bulgaria’s Sesil Karatantcheva.
• Sugiyama is ranked 38 in the world.
• Sugiyama improves her 2005 match record to 15-18.
• This was Sugiyama’s first victory over Kuznetsova in three career meetings.
• Sugiyama is playing in her 11th Acura Classic.
• Kuznetsova is ranked fourth in the world.
• Kuznetsova’s 2005 match record is now 26-12.
• Kuznetsova was making her third Acura Classic appearance.
  

Click Here for more Match Summaries.