Ruano Pascual Scores Grandstand Victory

The damp and cloudy weather did nothing to cool off the game of Spain’s Virginia Ruano Pascual as she posted a 6-4, 6-3 win over Russian Elena Likhotseva in her first round Acura Classic match on Monday.  

 With fellow Spaniard Conchita Martinez cheering her on the Grandstand, qualifier Ruano Pascual used four breaks of serve to move into the second round.

In the opening game of the second set, the players engaged in a long baseline rally that ended when Ruano Pascual executed a perfect drop shot giving her break point. On the next point, Likhotseva missed her next forehand giving the Spaniard the break she needed. 

Likhotseva put up brilliant defense from the baseline but had little success at the net as she was passed by Ruano Pascual’s sizzling backhands.  The Russian’s serve bailed her out on several occasions throughout the match but it was her seventh double fault that gave Ruano Pascual break point in the final game.

Ruano Pascual will meet 7th seeded Nicole Vaidisova of the Czech Republic in the second round.

• Ruano Pascual is ranked 82 in the world.
• Ruano Pascual is making her fourth career Acura Classic singles appearance.
• Ruano Pascual has been ranked number one in the world in doubles.
• Ruano Pascual has been a member of the Spanish Fed Cup team.
• Ruano Pascual will play seventh-seeded Nicole Vaidisova in the second round.
• Likhovtseva is ranked 28th in the world.
• Likhovtseva was playing in her 14th career Acura Classic. She reached the quarterfinals in 1993 and 2003.
• Likhovtseva has been ranked as high as 15 in the world in singles.

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