Chan sisters win doubles title at the Taiwan Open

TAINAN ON THEIR MINDS: The sisters donated their prize money to victims of the Feb. 6 quake, saying it was time to ‘give something back’ after their 921 experience

By Dave Carroll / Staff reporter





The Chan sisters claimed their first doubles title of the year at the Taiwan Open in Kaohsiung yesterday, while Venus Williams prevailed in the final of the singles.

Taiwanese top seeds Chan Hao-ching (詹皓晴) and Chan Yung-jan (詹詠然) defeated Japanese duo Eri Hozumi and Miyu Kato 6-4, 6-3 in 76 minutes on Center Court at the Yang-Ming Tennis Center to claim the title at the inaugural Taiwan Open.

The world Nos. 11 and 10 saved five of eight break points and converted five of 10, winning 63 of the 112 points contested to improve their career record against their opponents to 2-0 after a semi-final victory at the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo last year.

Taiwanese sisters Chan Yung-jan, left, and Chan Hao-ching celebrate with their trophies on Center Court at the Yang-Ming Tennis Center in Kaohsiung yesterday after winning the Taiwan Open doubles title. Photo: Huang Chih-yuan, Taipei Times

The Taiwanese sisters’ first title this year is their sixth as a pairing following victories in Pattaya, Cincinnati and Tokyo last year, in Eastbourne in 2014 and in Shenzhen in 2013.

“First title for us in 2016, so happy that we can raise these trophies at home,” elder sister Chan Yung-jan wrote on Facebook. “Thanks to the entire staff of this great event and all the sponsors that made this tournament possible, and thanks to all the fans for their amazing support. Of course, thanks to my best partner Hao-ching.”

“Because of the devastating earthquake in Taiwan a week ago, we’ve decided to donate our prize money from this tournament to Tainan to support them. We had a similar experience before, so it’s time for us to give something back,” she wrote.

Venus Williams of the US celebrates with her trophy on Center Court at the Yang-Ming Tennis Center in Kaohsiung after winning the Taiwan Open singles title. Photo: Huang Chih-yuan, Taipei Times

Earlier on Center Court in the singles final, top seed Williams defeated Japanese second seed Misaki Doi 6-4, 6-2 in 1 hour, 26 minutes to claim the singles title.

The American world No. 12 saved six of nine break points and converted six of 12, winning 75 of the 132 points contested to pick up the 49th singles title of her career.

The 35-year-old claimed her first title of the season without dropping a set in Kaohsiung.

“It’s wonderful to have women’s tennis here [in Taiwan]. It’s been too long, it’s the first time in 22 years,” Williams said in a courtside interview. “It’s my first time in Taiwan, so thank you for making me feel so welcome and thank you for making me feel at home.”

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