Venus Williams too strong for Vera Zvonareva at JB Group Classic, Team Americas wins

JB Group Classic Team AmericasVenus Williams hasn’t lost one singles match at the JB Group Classic in Hong Kong, and her last victim was Russian world number seven Vera Zvonareva.

The 28-year-old American rounded off her only preparation for the Australian Open with a 6-2 6-2 victory over Zvonareva.

From what we’ve seen of the world number six this week, she’s on a great way to win her first Australian Open title.

Prior to beating Zvonareva, Williams had defeated Anna Chakvetadze 7-6 6-3, and world number one Jelena Jankovic 6-2 6-2.

Williams' win helped Team Americas claim victory over Team Russia in the JB Gold Group final. Other members of Team Americas were Gisela Dulko of Argentina and American Coco Vandeweghe.

Venus Williams beats Anna Chakvetadze at Hong Kong exhibition

Venus WilliamsHard-hitting Venus Williams defeated Anna Chakvetadze 7-6(1) 6-3 at the JB Group Classic in Hong Kong, while Vera Zvonareva came from behind to beat Gisela Dulko 6-4 0-6 6-3 which means that Team Americas and Team Russia are tied at 1-1 in the JB Gold Group.

Chakvetadze played well in the first set, but the Russian couldn't maintain her form in the second.

Williams will play Zvonareva and Dulko faces Chakvetadze on Saturday, before a final doubles match.

Just for the record: Don’t forget that Williams crushed world No.1 Jelena Jankovic on Thursday. And by the way, Team Europe captain Jankovic, paired with Michelle Larcher de Brito, lost to Zheng Jie and Sania Mirza 6-1 6-1 in doubles on Friday. Also, Mirza upset Hungary's Agnes Szavay 6-3 6-4, so Team Asia-Pacific beat Team Europe 2-0. (source: ESPN, photo: Ralf Reinecke)

Venus Williams crushes Jelena Jankovic in Hong Kong

Venus WilliamsVenus Williams was too strong for world No.1 Jelena Jankovic at the JB Group Classic in Hong Kong, defeating the Serb 6-2 6-2.

Was Jankovic’s hard training during the off-season fruitful enough? This loss makes me doubt that, although, the excuse could be that Jankovic wasn’t motivated enough because the JB Group Classic is only an exhibition event. The Australian Open will definitely be the best place for players to show what they’ve really got.

When you look at the score, this is Williams’ most decisive victory over Jankovic, although she trails Jankovic 4-5 in head-to-heads.

Jankovic’s loss means that Team Americas and Team Europe are now leveled at 1-1, as Team Europe won doubles yesterday. The winner of the clash between Gisela Dulko (Americas) and Agnes Szavay (Europe) will face Russia in the gold group final of the JB Group Classic. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images via Sony Ericsson WTA Tour)

Chinese brand Li Ning Jelena Jankovic’s new clothing sponsor?

Jelena Jankovic at JB Group Classic in Hong Kong

Jelena Jankovic’s contract with Rebook has expired and there was no announcement on which brand would be her new sponsor. However, we have some hints!

Examining Jelena Jankovic’s new on-court fashion in today’s doubles match at the JB Group Classic in Hong Kong, we were perplexed because of not being able to determine which brand JJ was sporting. Thanks to the community over at Down the Line we have a resolution: the world No.1 was wearing a Chinese brand called Li Ning.

We’re still waiting for Jankovic herself to disclose whether Li Ning is really her new sponsor or she's wearing the brand temporarily.

Players gather in Hong Kong for JB Group Classic

Players gather in Hong Kong for JB Group Classic

Players have arrived in Hong Kong for the JB Group Classic exhibition, which starts on Wednesday. One thing has been noticed, however: Team Americas' captain Venus Williams wasn’t seen at the gathering. Where could she be?

JB Group Classic exhibition in Hong Kong

The tournament features Team Russia, Team Asia/Pacific, Team Americas and Team Europe. Here you can read more about the event, just remember that Maria Sharapova withdrew and has been replaced by Anna Chakvetadze, while Vera Zvonareva replaces Sharapova as Team Russia's Captain. (via Down the Line)


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