Wildcard Stevenson Scores Acura Classic Qualifying Victory

She has battled a right shoulder injury and her ranking has dropped to 945, but Alexandra Stevenson is one win away from qualifying for the main draw of the 2005 Acura Classic.

On Saturday afternoon on Stadium Court at the La Costa Resort and Spa, Stevenson of San Diego defeated fellow American Lindsey Lee-Waters, 6-3, 6-3, to advance to the final qualifying round.

Playing in her third WTA Tour tournament of the year, Stevenson’s victory over Waters was only her second match win of 2005.

“I mixed her up and I used my slice and I went to my other resources when I didn’t have my power game,” Stevenson said. “I had to use other shots to get my games of her.”

Stevenson got off to a quick start and took a 4-0 lead on her way to winning the first set in 42 minutes.

In the second set, with the score tied 3-3, Stevenson used two service breaks in the last three games to wrap up the victory, which took one-hour and 23 minutes.

“I’m happy I got through it,” Stevenson added. “Now I’m thinking about the next match.”

• Stevenson will face Japan’s Saori Obata in the final round of qualifying.
• Stevenson entered the qualifying draw of the 2005 Acura Classic as a wildcard.
• Stevenson is making her sixth Acura Classic appearance.
• Stevenson reached the third round of the 2001 Acura Classic as a qualifier.
• Lee-Waters is ranked 95 in the world.
• Lee-Waters was making her third Acura Classic appearance.
• Lee-Waters reached the third round of the 1995 Acura Classic as a qualifier.

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