Record-breaking Henin survives a Sharapova scare

World No1 Justine Henin battled back from a set down to overcome Maria Sharapova 5-7, 7-5, 6-3 and retain her WTA Championships title in Madrid. The 25-year-old Belgian had to draw on every ounce of her grit to shake off Sharapova in a thrilling match that lasted three hours and 24 minutes.

The victory extended Henin's winning streak to 25 matches and made her the first woman since Steffi Graf, in 1989, to go unbeaten in the second half of the season.

She also became the first player to claim 10 tour titles in a year since Martina Hingis won 12 in 1997, and the first to break the $5million barrier in prize money for a season.

"In the third set, it was much more mental and physical," said Henin, who had five match points. Sharapova, who was back to her best after struggling with injury problems, said she was delighted with such a strong finish to the year.

"I hope we can play many more times so I can get my revenge," added the Russian.

Meanwhile, at least two other Italian players were found to have on-line betting accounts during inquiries into the gambling activities of banned world No 124 Alessio di Mauro.

The difference was that neither of them was found to have bet directly on tennis, at least on those accounts, and they would not admit to having put wagers on the sport, unlike their compatriot.