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Venus Williams beats Caroline Wozniacki in 3 sets to win ASB Classic

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Venus Williams of the U.S. waves to fans after her Semi-final match against her compatriot Lauren Davis during the ASB Classic tennis tournament in Auckland, New Zealand, Friday Jan. 9 2015. (AP Photo/New Zealand Herald/Nick Reed) AUSTRALIA OUT, NEW ZEALAND OUT (The Associated Press)

Venus Williams of the U.S. plays a forehand shot in her Semi-final match against her compatriot Lauren Davis during the ASB Classic tennis tournament in Auckland, New Zealand, Friday Jan. 9 2015. (AP Photo/New Zealand Herald, Nick Reed) AUSTRALIA OUT, NEW ZEALAND OUT (The Associated Press)

Venus Williams displayed her advanced preparation for the Australian Open by beating Caroline Wozniacki 2-6, 6-3, 6-3 in Saturday's final of the ASB Classic.

Wozniacki swept through the first set in 30 minutes on the back of a series of unforced errors by Williams and seemed headed for her 23rd career title when she broke in the opening game of the second set.

But Williams turned the momentum from the middle of the set, breaking back and then going on the offensive with a more accurate serve and with powerful forehand groundstrokes.

Wozniacki continued to fight but Williams assumed the upper hand, breaking Wozniacki early in the third set, then clinching the match with a further service break after her opponent had saved two match points.