'For me, this is the best environment available playing before a Grand Slam'
With a smile and a wave to the crowd, Venus Williams launched her 2004 season on the comeback trail in style as she dismantled the raw power of Russian bombshell, Maria Sharapova, 7-5, 6-3 to win the women's singles at the Watsons Water Champions Challenge yesterday.
Williams was playing in her first tournament in six months after an injury-ravaged season that began in last summer's Wimbledon final against her sister, Serena.
But the former world number one announced her return with another pulsating performance in front of a packed gallery at Victoria Park to clinch her second Hong Kong title after winning in 1999.
'Maria [Sharapova] played so well and I had to find some answers out there, but more than anything I was trying to enjoy playing. That's what made me happy in Hong Kong - to play well,' said world number 11 Williams after the 72-minute contest 'It's been too long, too long,' said the American on her return from injury. 'But it's great to be back.'Williams said: 'It's nice to play these matches and not have any pain or issues, It's just a month ago since I started practising seriously. Being able to practise, I can't really have the ghost of the past pull me back.'
For 32nd-ranked Sharapova, her time will come sooner than later. The Russian's raw power - although awesome for a teenager - needs to be refined. But there was enough to suggest that a place in the world's top 20 beckons for the 16-year-old from Nyagan.