Tennis: Petrova pips No 1 hopes

Nadia Petrova dashed Amelie Mauresmo's hopes of grabbing the world No 1 spot by winning the WTA Qatar Open title 6-3, 7-5 yesterday.

Petrova, the second seed, also ensured a fourth straight success for Russian players in Doha.

Anastasia Myskina won in 2003 and 2004 and Maria Sharapova claimed the title last year.

Mauresmo, the world No 2, was hoping to displace the top-ranked Kim Clijsters by winning the tournament but her defeat means she will have to wait to reach that goal.