Dementieva wins Istanbul Cup as Rezai retires hurt

ISTANBUL, May 26 (Reuters) Elena Dementieva won the Istanbul Cup today after her opponent, surprise finalist Aravane Rezai, retired hurt in the second set with the Russian leading 7-6 3-0.

It was a disappointing end to the tournament for the unseeded French player who had pulled off a series of giant-killing victories on her way to the final.

Rezai beat fourth seed Venus Williams in the second round before defeating top seed Maria Sharapova 6-2 6-4 in the semi-finals.

Rezai suffered a slight leg injury yesterday which flared up during today's final, prompting her to retire after losing her first two service games in the second set.

''I feel sorry for her because she didn't finish the match but it was a good match, especially in the first set,'' said second seed Dementieva.

''This is my first win of the year and I feel so happy today. I don't know how I will play in the French Open but I'm very happy for today,'' the Russian added.

The first set was closely fought with each player breaking serve three times before Dementieva won the tiebreak 7-5.

Dementieva said earlier this month that she had considered retirement after suffering a stress fracture of three ribs while working with a new physical trainer in Moscow.

REUTERS SSC PM2132