Nestor, Likhovtseva win mixed doubles title

MELBOURNE, Jan 28 (Reuters) Daniel Nestor of Canada and Elena Likhovtseva of Russia claimed the mixed doubles title at the Australian Open today.

They defeated Belarussian pair Max Mirnyi and Victoria Azarenka 6-4 6-4 in the final in 79 minutes.

Nestor secure victory by punching a volley winner on match point.

''It's a great feeling to have won today,'' Nestor said.

It was the second final defeat in as many days for Mirnyi after he and Jonas Bjorkman were beaten in the men's doubles final yesterday by American brothers Mike and Bob Bryan.

''Daniel and Elena have had a very good rounded career and I'm sure this trophy will look good in their collection.'' said Mirnyi.

Azarenka, 17, added: ''It's been the best experience of my life, even though we lost, it was great.'' REUTERS PM HS1318