Mauresmo steps up a gear for Paris Open title defence

PARIS, Feb 6 (Reuters) Amelie Mauresmo said today she had stepped up a gear after last month's Australian Open fourth round exit.

''I got straight back to the courts and went into overdrive,'' the world number three told a news conference at the Paris Open, where she starts the defence of her title this week.

''I have worked a lot and now I have to wait and start the competition because it is always different than when you practice.

''I have a much better feeling about my game as I have preferred practice over work-outs,'' added the former World number one.

''I still have highs and lows but I am much better.'' Second seed Mauresmo, who was granted a bye for the first round, will launch her campaign in an all-French second round clash with Nathalie Dechy.

Dechy won their last match 3-6 6-2 6-3 in the second round at Eastbourne last year.

Mauresmo reckoned the field at this year's Paris Open was much more competitive than in the past.

Should she beat Dechy, she faces a possible third round match against Russian eighth seed Anna Chakvetadze.

''The level of play will be very high, it is good for the tournament and for the show,'' the Wimbledon champion added.

Mauresmo said she was sorry Belgian Kim Clijsters, who will retire at the end of the season, had to pull out of the tournament with a hip injury.

''I hope we will have other opportunities to meet on court,'' she said. ''I am a bit sad that she is going to retire but that is her decision and we have to respect it.'' REUTERS DH PM2106