8 Jan 2012

New champion crowned at ASB Classic

3:54 pm on 8 January 2012

China's Zheng Jie is the new ASB Classic tennis champion after Flavia Pennetta was forced to retire with a back injury.

The Italian fourth seed took the first set 6-2, but had to call for her trainer after suffering a back complaint.

Zheng took the second 6-3 and led 2-nil in the third and decisive set before Pennetta was forced to withdraw.

The final had been moved indoors due to heavy rain meaning no spectators could watch the match, and while disappointed with the Auckland weather, Zheng was delighted with the result.

Meanwhile organisers and fans will be crossing their fingers for drier weather in Auckland tomorrow with the first round of men's Heineken Open tennis tournament set to begin.