Pierce powers to victory

Mary Pierce needed seven match points before finally beating Ai Sugiyama of Japan 6-0 6-3 to win her first US outdoor hardcourt title at the Acura Classic in California.

And Pierce hopes that the milestone victory will serve as a stepping stone for the US Open which begins on August 29.

“It’ definitely gives me confidence that I’ve won a tournament,” said Pierce, whose first title since ’s-Hertogenbosch in 2004 moves her up three spots to number 11 in the new WTA rankings released today.

“It puts the word out there that I’ve won a hardcourt tournament in the States. I feel great, hopefully I’ll keep going, I don’t see why not.”

Pierce disposed of Sugiyama in only 75 minutes to earn 189,000 US dollars and her 17th career crown – her first in nine appearances at the La Costa Resort and Spa.

Sugiyama had not reached a quarter-final in 18 events in 2005 before turning her fortunes around here with four victories – including stunning second seed Svetlana Kuznetsova of Russia to reach her first final since winning the 2004 Gold Coast event in Australia.

Sugiyama was prepared to challenge Pierce but was no match for the Frenchwoman, especially in the first set.

It also did not help that the 30-year-old Japanese number one had played 50 games in singles and doubles semi-final victories on Saturday night and spent nearly five hours on court.

“To be honest, it was tough because I finished late last night, especially a long doubles match,” said Sugiyama, who still leads her all-time series with Pierce 6-5. “But I’m happy to be in two finals.”

However, Sugiyama gave Pierce all the credit for the victory.

“She played so great, so aggressively on every point that it was tough for me because she was all over every ball,” added Sugiyama.

Pierce ran through the opening set in just 22 minutes, allowing Sugiyama just two points on her three service games.

Sugiyama offered a stiffer challenge in the second set, breaking Pierce’s serve in the opening game but the sixth seed regrouped to run off the next five games.

Pierce went to serve out the match but Sugiyama fought off four championships points before the Frenchwoman double-faulted on break point.

After Sugiyama held for 5-3, Pierce got to 40-15 before blowing two more match points but then won the next point and capped a near-perfect week with her fourth ace and 38th winner.