By Britten Gerrard
(February 7, 2010) Olivia Sanchez arrived at Mission Hills as a qualifier and departed as a champion.
Sanchez definitely earned her championship check after defeating Tadeja Majeric of Slovakia 7-5, 6-0 at the Childhelp Desert Classic pro tennis tournament benefiting Childhelp Merv Griffin Village in nearby Beaumont, Calif.
Sanchez won three qualifying matches to get into the main draw and played a total of eight matches throughout the week, enough to win a 256-draw tournament.
"It was a windy final but it feels good to win the tournament," Sanchez said. "I would like to thank everyone for coming out and the Childhelp organization for putting on such a great tournament."
The French woman received a check of $2,940 for the victory.
The tournament was a $25,000 USTA Pro Circuit Challenger and took place at the Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage. It is co-chaired by Jackie Cooper and Lornie Kuhle. Childhelp Merv Griffin Village provides a home for 80-100 children that have been severely abused or abandoned by their parents.
Majeric defeated four Americans in consecutive matches on her way to the finals. She beat 2008 U.S. Open juniors champion Coco Vandeweghe, No. 2 seed Alexa Glatch, No. 5 seed Angela Haynes and Alison Riske. Majeric received a check of $1,666.
In doubles, No. 1 seed Abigail Spears (USA) and Monique Adamczak (AUS) secured the title with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Ukrainian twins Lyudmyla and Nadiya Kichenok.
For information on contributions to Childhelp email EKuhle@aol.com.
Sunday’s results from the Childhelp Desert Classic
A USTA women's $25,000 Pro Circuit event at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage
Singles draw: 32
Doubles draw: 16
Surface: Hardcourts
SINGLES
SEMIFINALS
Olivia Sanchez, FRA, def. Lilia Osterloh, USA (1), 6-3, 4-6, 6-0.
Tadeja Majeric, SLO, def. Alison Riske, 7-6 (8), 6-2.
FINALS
Olivia Sanchez, FRA, def. Tadeja Majeric, SLO, 6-3, 4-6, 6-0