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Wednesday, 26th May 2010
In Sports,

Japanese player scoops shock win

A Japanese tennis player has pulled off a shock win over Dinara Safina, former world number one and runner-up at two French Opens.

Kimiko Date Krumm has not played in a French Open for 14 years and is almost 40 - but that did not stop her beating Safina in straight sets, with the final tally standing at 3-6, 6-4 and 7-5. Krumm stepped onto the court with her right leg strapped from her knee to her ankle and the sports press have been left in awe by her unexpected victory.

"The word sensational is often overused but it is merited in this case," said Times writer Neil Harman.

Speaking after the match to the Canadian Press, Krumm said she was encouraged back onto the court by her husband, who is a racing driver and urged her to do it "just for fun".

Safina is currently seeded ninth and has also been suffering with a back problem since the beginning of this year.

Written by Mark Smith.

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