Russian qualifiers march on (From The Argus)

Russian qualifiers march on

4:21pm Wednesday 17th June 2009 in Sport By Steve Hollis

Qualifier Ekaterina Makerova caused another shock at the AEGON International as she beat Amelie Mauresmo in an enthralling battle.

Mauresmo fought back from a break down in the first set to force a tie-break but then squandered six set points as Makerova won 10-8.

World No.17 Mauresmo then raced into a 4-0 lead in the second set but lost her way as Makerova fought back to set up another tie-break.

A third set looked likely when Mauresmo led 5-2 once again the world No. 46 refused to surrender and after saving three set points she clinched victory with her fourth match point 15-13.

Fellow Russian qualifier Vera Dushevina also progressed to the third round after last year's runner-up Nadia Petrova was forced to retire with a back injury. Petrova, the seventh seed, had won the first set 7-5 when she called it a day.