Panova looking to end 2015 on a high in Dubai at Habtoor

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  • Panova (r) started the year in fine form.

    Alexandra Panova started her year by squandering two match points en route to losing to superstar compatriot Maria Sharapova 7-5 in the third set in the second round of the Australian Open.

    This week, the Russian world No135 will be looking to finish her season on a high with a good showing at the 18th Al Habtoor Tennis Challenge in Dubai.

    Panova, who won the doubles title at the ITF $75K event in Dubai last year alongside Vitalia Diatchenko, is seeded No3 at the Habtoor Grand resort this week.

    In the first round, the draw gods have pit her against Ukrainian Nadiia Kichenok, the woman who beat her in the singles quarter-finals here in 2014.

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    “My mentality is positive, let’s make it better this time, there’s a chance for improvement,” Panova told Sport360 about her rematch with Kichenok.

    “I enjoy this tournament. It’s always good to get some sun at the end of the year when it’s already cold everywhere. And just play in a quite relaxed atmosphere. And my team can relax while I’m working, so it’s good.”

    Panova, who reached her highest ranking at No71 back in 2012, admits that her match with Sharapova last January still haunts her and she actually walks around with a copy of the video of the three-setter in her bag.

    “I actually still have the memory card of the match in my bag. It’s my lucky charm,” Panova said laughing.

    “I’ve seen it many times. I kept looking at it, but my coach said ‘there’s nothing you could have done, Maria’s a great champion and that’s what she does, she goes for everything’.

    “I’ve had a couple of injuries unfortunately after that good start to the year. It’s been going down, I got many losses.

    “I made it back, and qualified for the US Open and had a really hard match against Monica Niculescu, who was a winner here in Dubai before. It’s been getting better, I’m healthy and that’s what is important.”

    Panova’s fellow Russians, led by Sharapova, have a big weekend coming up as they take on the Czech Republic in the Fed Cup final in Prague.

    “We’re playing against someone who likes to win this title. I think the Czechs are the favourites but we’re going to fight and hopefully the spirit will help us,” said Panova.

    The draw, which was revealed Sunday, sees No6 seed Cagla Buyukakcay take on the other Kichenok twin, Lyudmyla, in the opening round while second-seeded Klara Koukalova faces a qualifier.

    The main draw action of the 18th edition of the Habtoor Tennis Challenge commences Monday.

    Last year's finalists Alexandra Dulgheru and Kimiko Date-Krumm.

    Defending champion and top seed, world No57 Alexandra Dulgheru has been trying to fly from Bucharest to Dubai for the past three days but has been stopped at the airport because she is holding a temporary passport and will be ineligible for a visa upon arrival without a permanent one.

    Authorities in the UAE have been trying to sort out the issue but it is unclear whether the Romanian will make it in time for the tournament.

    Meanwhile in qualifying action, the Gulf region’s top player, Fatma Al Nabhani of Oman, advanced to the third and final round of qualifying with a 6-2, 6-1 win over Serbia’s Sofia Sabljarevic and will take on Maria Marfutina on Monday for a place in the main draw.

    Gold Badge Iranian-born American umpire Ali Nili, who officiated the Wimbledon final between Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer this year, leads a group of six internationally-certified umpires who will be working at the tournament.

    Matches start at 11:00 daily with the final scheduled for Saturday November 14.

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