EASTBOURNE, England: American Chanda Rubin overcame stubborn resistance from Conchita Martinez of Spain to win her second Eastbourne grasscourt title 6-4 3-6 6-4, boosting her confidence before Wimbledon starts on Monday.

The American second seed used her more aggressive all-court game to down the 1994 Wimbledon champion, who fought hard from the baseline and was hampered by a wrist injury.

"This is the first time I've come back and defended a title and it feels good," Rubin, ranked seventh in the world, said.

"She's a tough player on any surface... I really had to be smart and mix it up, using serve and volley even though I wasn't going to win all those points," Rubin added.

Saturday's start was delayed by two and a half hours after a bomb alert at Devonshire Park, which is near the seafront in the southern English town. Police evacuated the grounds but found nothing suspicious.

Rubin said the delay had been frustrating and it appeared to affect both players in the 42-minute first set, with seven out of the 10 games going against serve.

Both women have been enjoying something of a revival this season and both reached the quarter-finals of the French Open earlier this month. They had met 11 times before with 31-year-old Martinez winning nine.

Henin hurt

French Open champion Justine Henin-Hardenne said she hopes to be fit for Wimbledon despite suffering an injury scare just two days before the start of the event.

The Belgian right-hander fell and injured her left wrist during the Ordina Open final on Saturday, handing victory to compatriot Kim Clijsters.

The second seed was down a break in the second set after taking the first in a tiebreak when she slipped chasing a forehand. She played on until 3-0 before deciding to quit.

"I hope I am going to be okay," Henin said. "I think I sprained two or three of my fingers but I don't think it's anything serious.

"I am glad I don't play at Wimbledon until Tuesday and that gives me three days. I hope to be able to hit on Monday. I think it's going to be all right.

"When I tried to play on, it hurt and I think it was definitely the right thing to stop playing. It's better that it's my left hand than my right (playing) hand."

The result gave Clijsters, beaten by Henin in the Paris final, her fourth title of 2003 and ended her opponent's 15-match winning streak.

Rusedski back

Briton Greg Rusedski put nine months of injury misery behind him to win the Nottingham Open on Saturday.

The 30-year-old, who had not played from September's US Open until the Stella Artois championship at Queen's Club this month following foot, knee, back and arm injuries, comfortably beat American Mardy Fish to win the final 6-3 6-2.

The left-hander made the most of some erratic play from his opponent to break early in the first set and then broke twice in the second to close out a one-sided encounter.

Rusedski's own service was rarely threatened as he took his 13th professional title.

Agencies via Xinhua

(China Daily 06/23/2003 page8)