Mauresmo gets diamond racket in Antwerp

Amelie Mauresmo beat Kim Clijsters 6-4 7-6 in the Diamond Games final yesterday, becoming the first player to win the event's diamond-studded racket estimated to be worth one million euros.

The racket was awarded to the top seed from France for collecting three consecutive Antwerp titles.

World number three Mauresmo also beat the second-seeded Belgian in last year's final.

The match was Clijsters's last competitive appearance on home soil as she plans to quit at the end of the season.

Mauresmo's victory was overshadowed by the ill-feeling shown by a 15,000 sell-out crowd who questioned a number of line calls, notably the Frenchwoman's penultimate point in the tiebreak.

"It's a bit difficult for me now because I know you are all very disappointed," Mauresmo told the crowd.

"I am sorry. I understand, Kim is a great champion."

Clijsters, choking back the tears on an emotional afternoon, was full of praise for the champion.

"Enjoy the beautiful racket, you deserve it and I am sure it will find a nice place in your house," she said. "You always play well here and you are a terrific player."