With one-sided support from the full-house crowd, former world number one Serena Williams of the United States enjoyed a special "birthday party" and lifted the

Serena Williams of U.S. holds the championship trophy after defeating Svetlana Kuznetsova of Russia in the inaugural China Open women's final September 26, 2004, in Beijing. Williams won 2-1.

singles trophy at the 585,000 U.S dollars China Open WTA tennis tournament in Beijing on September 26.

In a dream showdown between the top two seeds, Serena came from one set down and powered past newly-crowned US Open winner Svetelana Kuznetsova of Russia 4-6, 7-5, 6-4 in 130 minutes.

It was Serena's second title after she returned to competition from injury in April and 25th in her career.

Wearing big smiles, Serena gave special thanks to the spectators who gave her applause and shouts throughout the match.

She said in Chinese: "I love Beijing!"

"I've never won anything on my birthday. The title at China Open is a special gift, especially I won in Beijing, in China. I feel really, really happy," said Serena who turns 23 on Sunday.

"It was the second title I had since March this year, usually I won more titles. I really didn't want to lose the game. I guess the key for my victory is that I didn't want to give up. I played crazy and I hit the ball in a crazy way," Serena smiled.

Serena had 14 aces against Kuznetsova's 4. "However, I had too many double faults and my first serve percentage is poor. I hate this."

Kuznetsova, who took the Bali tournament after her US Open victory and has kept 14-game winning streak before the final, said:"I think I played well and will be a better player. I had a lot of chances in the second set but I couldn't get it. "

Emmanuelle Gagliardi of Italy and Dinara Safina of Russia downed Gisela Dulko of Argentina/Maria Vento-Kabchi of Venezuela 6-4, 6-4 for the doubles title early in the evening.

The inaugural China Open, which ran through Sept.11-26, has combined ATP, WTA and ITF challenge tournaments.

Source: Xinhua