By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Anna Smashnova of Israel became the first player to defend her Budapest Grand Prix title, defeating Lourdes Dominguez Lino of Spain 6-1, 6-3 in Sunday's final.
The eighth-seeded Smashnova, ranked No. 63, took a 3-0 lead before Dominguez Lino won her only game in the first set.
Play in the second set was inconsistent, with the rivals breaking each other's serve in five of the first seven games. Up 5-3, Smashnova again broke Dominguez Lino's serve to win the match.
Smashnova produced her usual defensive game, but also made some fine drop shots and volleys.
"I'm really happy to be here and win again. It was tough - not as easy as the score suggests," Smashnova said. "I'm really glad to get through this whole week. I was patient during the match and fought for each point."
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