AUCKLAND, New Zealand, Jan. 9 (UPI) -- Eleni Daniilidou of Greece defeated Ashley Harkleroad, 6-3, 6-2, on Saturday to defend her title at the ASB Bank Classic.
In becoming the first repeat winner here since Patty Fendick in 1988-89, Daniilidou stymied the 18-year-old American in just over an hour.
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The third-seeded Daniilidou, 21, began play this week ranked 30th in the world and will climb to 23rd following her third career title. She has won 10 straight matches here.
The unseeded Harkleroad, who was participating in her first WTA Tour final, entered the tournament ranked 55th in the world.
