Halep beat Pennetta

SINGAPORE: Romanian top seed Simona Halep dominated Italy’s Flavia Pennetta 6-0, 6-3 on Sunday in the opening match of the WTA Finals in Singapore. World No 2 Halep broke Pennetta three times in the first set, showing no signs of the left Achilles tendon injury that forced her to retire at the China Open three weeks ago. Halep became top seed this year following Serena’s decision to withdraw from the season finale in order to rest. US Open winner Pennetta put up a stronger challenge in the second set but was broken in the eighth game. A long forehand by Pennetta sealed the match for Halep in Red group.