Tennis: Williams takes 17th career title

Venus Williams routed fellow American Meghann Shaughnessy in two one-sided sets to capture the Betty Barclay Cup.

The top seed and world number two hammered Shaughnessy 6-3 6-0 in just 54 minutes to win her 17th career title and finish her complete domination of the tournament.

The second-ranked player dropped just 12 games in sweeping through four matches and stood on the court less than four hours at the £393,000 event.

"I think I had to play well here to have the scores I had, because I have played all of them before," said Williams.

Afterwards, she talked about the French Open which starts later this month at Roland Garros, where she has a chance to pass Martina Hingis as the world's top-ranked player.

"I really want to be number one," Williams said. "I dreamt about winning Roland Garros. It was like a nightmare because I woke up and it wasn't true, so hopefully next time I wake up I have already won it. I would really love to win it."

Hingis and Williams have both entered at the German Open which starts Monday in Berlin, although the American won't be able to pass the Swiss teenager there even if she claims the title.

Shaughnessy, who has risen to number 25 in the world, had faced Williams twice in the past and forced her fellow American into tie breakers in both losses, the second taking place at the Australian Open this year.

"Compared to the match at the Australian Open, she is playing with a lot more power and confidence. Her serve is much better, she just puts so much pressure on you," said Shaughnessy, the seventh seed.

Sunday's contest was so one-sided that when Shaughnessy faced match point and then earned the next point as Williams netted the ball after a sparkling rally, she threw her arms into the air in mock triumph and the spectators cheered wildly.

But Williams slammed a volley past her seconds later to end the match in which Shaughnessy was overpowered and then, as her hopes faded, began making numerous easy errors.

"I felt kind of hopeless. It wasn't close enough for there to be a turning point," said Shaughnessy, who will climb to number 21 after ending 1999 at 97 in the rankings.