Henin blasts her way to gold

Justine Henin-Hardenne blasted her way to Olympic gold yesterday, beating Amelie Mauresmo 6-3 6-3. Shrugging off a 12-week lay-off caused by a mystery viral illness, the Belgian overwhelmed Maur-esmo in 78 minutes to take the title in her first Olympic...

Justine Henin-Hardenne blasted her way to Olympic gold yesterday, beating Amelie Mauresmo 6-3 6-3.

Shrugging off a 12-week lay-off caused by a mystery viral illness, the Belgian overwhelmed Maur-esmo in 78 minutes to take the title in her first Olympic Games.

"It's amazing ... I am very proud," Henin-Hardenne said. "I don't know yet how to celebrate tonight but I surely will do."

The world number one broke Mauresmo twice to take the opening set and the Frenchwoman failed to get a foot-hold in the second set.

With IOC president Jacques Rogge watching from the stands, she wrapped up victory with a smash to land her country their first gold of the 2004 Games.

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