By Chris Soderstrom
Russia completed a clean-sweep in the women’s singles event in Beijing, with Elena Dementieva claiming gold ahead of compatriot Dinara Safina.
The World No. 7 denied Safina a repeat of their quarter-final match-up at the French Open rallying from losing the first set to win 3-6, 7-5, 6-3.
“My most difficult match of the week was today against Dinara because she’s playing at her best,” Dementieva said. “She’s the hottest player on the tour at the moment.”
“After losing the first set, it was difficult to stay positive and keep doing the right things, not getting too emotional and thinking about every point. I’m so happy I got through it.”
Vera Zvonareva clinched the bronze medal playoff against China’s Li Na 6-0 7-5.
Meanwhile, in doubles, American sisters Venus and Serena Williams won their second gold medal defeating Spanish duo Anabel Medina Garrigues and Virginia Ruano Pascual 6-2, 6-0.