Bartoli has last laugh

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Marion Bartoli of France returns a shot to Venus Williams of the US during the first set of their final match of the Bank of the West Classic. – Internet photo

STANFORD, Aug 3 (AFP): Marion Bartoli avenged a Wimbledon loss to Venus Williams, winning a marathon final at the WTA Bank of the West Classic 6-2, 5-7, 6-4 at the American's expense Sunday.
Frenchwoman Bartoli was beaten by Williams for the All England club final two years ago.
Bartoli's bitter memory was still fresh as she struck back in the three-set thriller lasting two and three-quarters hours in northern California.
"It was great to play Venus again," said the Frenchwoman, "I have a lot of good memories from Wimbledon."
Bartoli lost the title match here a year ago to Canadian Aleksandra Wozniak. She was unable to beat Williams in straight sets while leading a set and 5-4, failing to serve out the victory.
Bartoli will move up two spots in the rankings to 12th on Monday after claiming her second title of 2009 and the fifth of her career.
Williams, 29, had a strong history at Stanford, playing her seventh final in eight visits.
"I had a great tournament," said the disappointed American.
"But Marion was just too good today."
She won her only two titles at the start of the decade in 2000 and 2005, last finishing runner-up to Kim Clijsters in 2005.