French top seed Amelie Mauresmo wrenched a diamond-encrusted golden tennis racquet from the grasp of Venus Williams on Sunday, when she beat the American 4-6, 7-5, 6-4 in the final of the Antwerp Diamond Games in Brussels.
Williams had been gunning for a third career title at the Belgian indoor tournament -- one which would have bagged her the trophy for keeps -- having won on both of her previous visits to Antwerp in 2002 and 2003.
But despite coming close, she led by a set and 5-3 and 4-2 in the third set, she was beaten for the first time at the event and missed her chance to end an 11-tournament drought without a title, the longest of her career.
"I was so close to winning and it is very frustrating. I wanted to win that incredible racquet so badly," Venus said.
"Amelie played a tough game today and the question was how to be fresh after my two latest evening sessions [against Kim Clijsters and Anastasia Myskina].
"I felt 100 percent at the start of the match but my stomach muscles started to hurt again after a while, especially when serving.
"I'll definitely be back next year - racquet or no racquet. This is a top-class event, all the players love it.
"I particularly like the antique shopping and the fashion, which is totally different from what I see in the United States. And as you know, I like to be different..."
MAURESMO THRILLED
Mauresmo was thrilled after clinching victory over the third-seeded American on her fifth match point.
"This was a great final for a great tournament," the Frenchwoman smiled. "It is incredible in Antwerp, the Sportpaleis is always full, every night with great audiences.
"I am so happy because the quality of my game went up and up during the whole week until the final... this is the result of all the work I have done with my coach.
"This was a great match and a great victory. I fought hard to win here... it makes me proud.
"Venus played very well to be up a set and 5-3, but I wasn't playing my best. I was making lots of mistakes and I wasn't as solid as I should have been.
"At 5-3 maybe she started thinking about winning the title, while I tightened my game up a bit. Then I knew I had to hang in there."
Mauresmo now has bigger trophies in sight.
"I have now as many tournament wins as (compatriot) Mary Pierce -- 16," she grinned.
"But she has won two Grand Slams. Today I proved I was able to win Grand Slam tournaments. That is now my goal."
