Osterloh Breezes Past Whitehead in Qualifying

American tennis veteran Lilia Osterloh was thinking of attending Saturday’s Del Mar horse races after her first-round qualifying match in the 2006 Acura Classic at the La Costa Resort and Spa.

She had plenty of time to make the first race at 2 p.m. as she blanked fellow American Brie Whitehead, 6-0, 6-0 in 28 minutes.

Using a steady baseline game, Osterloh, ranked 109 in the world, lost only six points and converted on six of nine break point opportunities.

Playing under overcast skies and humid conditions, Osterloh dominated on her serve as she lost only two points. “It was a bit misty,” Osterloh said. “It’s kind of unusual weather for Southern California.”

She added, “I was just really focusing and concentrating, it’s not easy. I just tried to work on my game.”

Whitehead, a 17-year-old from Newport Beach, was hurt by five doubles faults.

• Osterloh advances to the second round of qualifying on Sunday where she will play the winner of the Hana Sromova / Tatiana Panova match.
• Osterloh has been ranked as high as 49 in the world.
• Osterloh is making her seventh career Acura Classic appearance.
• Osterloh reached the second round of the main draw in 2001 and 2004.
• Whitehead is coached by her mother, Annette.
• Whitehead is ranked 1171 in the world
  

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