Myskina Proves Herself Top Russian with WTA Moscow Title

After some first-set nervousness in the all-Russian final at the WTA stop in Moscow Sunday, Anastasia Myskina crushed Elena Dementieva 7-5, 6-0 to capture her third title of the year.

"I am so happy to be able to defend my title," Myskina said. "The crowds this week have been fantastic, thanks also to President Boris Yeltsin for all his support this week."

Dementieva was up 3-1 and 5-3 in the first set but could not capitalize.

"I had a good chance at 5-3, but I played passively, and in the second set I hardly even put up a fight," Dementieva said.

Myskina said she was out to prove her staying power as the top-ranked Russian, winning her third title this year after Doha and the French Open.

"This time I wanted to prove that last year's victory wasn't a fluke and that I earned the rating points," Myskina said.

Myskina will move up to No. 3 on the WTA Rankings behind Amelie Mauresmo and new No. 1 Lindsay Davenport.

In the doubles final Myskina teamed with countrywoman Vera "The Crying Game" Zvonareva to win their first title of the year as a team, defeating top seeds Virginia Ruano Pascual/Paola Suarez 6-3, 4-6, 6-2.