Seles no match for Venus

Williams hit an impressive 13 aces during the two sets

Venus Williams outplayed Monica Seles to take a comfortable win in the Acura Classic final in San Diego on Sunday.

Williams won 6-2 6-3, thwarting Seles' bid to beat the world's top three players in succession.

Seles had defeated Jennifer Capriati and Martin Hingis on her way to the final but Williams was too strong.

"I feel great. I love to play in Southern California," said Williams, who grew up in Los Angeles.

"The first couple times I played here in 1994 and 1995, I had a lot of problems. But the last two years have been really exciting."

Against Capriati and Hingis, Seles could attack a weak second serve, a luxury she did not have against Williams.

Crucial lapse

The second seed fired down 13 aces and hit 37 winners in the match.

Seles failed to convert three break points in the opening game, a crucial lapse.

The six feet two inches (1.88 m) Williams broke Seles to seize a 4-2 lead with two volleys on the run and a forehand down the line.

Williams won the set with another service break on a thumping back-hand cross-court winner, and raced into a 4-0 lead in the second set.

Seles immediately broke back but Williams held for 5-2 with a 113 mph ace, and in the final game, served three successive aces to capture the title.