Pune’s Akash Wagh earned a hard-fought 7-6 (7-5) 5-7 6-3 win over experienced Amod Wakalkar in a marathon 130 minutes battle, in the All India Ranking men’s tennis tournament at Fergusson College courts here on Monday. Meanwhile,

Delhi’s Vidhav Vyas stunned seventh seed Harshvardhan Thirani of West Bengal 3-6 6-2 7-6 (7-5) to enter second round. Wagh, was aggressive right from the start, but unforced errors at crucial times forced the first set into tie-breaker.

Stockholm  - Last ditch efforts were underway Monday to transfer the upcoming Davis Cup tie between Sweden and Israel from the southern city Malmo to Stockholm.

Chances were regarded as slim that this could take place. Malmo city council's board for leisure, recreation and sport activities voted last Wednesday that the March 6-8 tie would be played without any paying spectators, citing security concerns.

Dubai, UAE  - Venus Williams put this week's controversy to the side as she lifted the 40th title of her career, claiming the Barclays Championships title 6-4, 6-2 over Virginie Razzano on Saturday.

Williams, seeded sixth, will move back into the WTA Top 5 for the first time since 2003 after her success at an event thrown into chaos by the visa exclusion of Israeli Shahar Peer.

Williams took the opportunity to praise Peer during post-match ceremonies following the win in just over 90 minutes over 58th-ranked Frenchwomen Razzano.

Dubai, UAE - Venus Williams won her first title of the season as she claimed the Barclays Championships on her fourth attempt with a 6-4, 6-2 defeat of Virginie Razzano on Saturday.

Williams, seeded sixth, followed up her second straight defeat of her sister Serena in the semi-finals as she beat the 58th-ranked Frenchwomen in just over 90 minutes.

Razzano, who prepared after her own semi-final win with a spa treatment and a beer with dinner, was stretched out on court with a back problem after the seventh game of the opening set, trailing 3-4 on serve.

Dubai, UAE  - Challenger Virginie Razzano relaxed with a luxury spa treatment followed by a calming glass of beer the night before before facing Venus Williams for the title at the Barclays Championships on Saturday.

The number 58 with two career titles from 2007 is not one to worry too much about the immediate future after crushing Kaia Kanepi of Estonia 6-1, 6-2.

Venus Williams advanced over her world number one sibling as they met for the 19th time, winning 6-1, 2-6, 7-6 (7-3).

Dubai, UAE  - French surprise packet Virginie Razzano will relax with her boyfriend and a calming glass of beer before facing Venus Williams for the title at the Barclays Championships on Saturday.

The number 58 with two career titles from 2007 is not one to worry too much about the immediate future after crushing Kaia Kanepi of Estonia 6-1, 6-2.

Venus Williams advanced over her world number one sibling as they met for the 19th time, winning 6-1, 2-6, 7-6 (7-3).