Jackman Aims For Fifth US Open Title

England's world No2 Cassie Jackman is in line to win her fifth US Open title when the Women's Weymuller US Open gets underway later today at the Heights Casino in New York.

The defending champion is top seed in the event and due to begin her 2004 campaign against compatriot Stephanie Brind, the world No19 from Kent. Jackman, from Norfolk, is scheduled to face second seed Vanessa Atkinson, from the Netherlands, in the final in what would be a repeat of last year's semi-final.

Atkinson's first round opponent is English qualifier Tania Bailey, the former world No4 from Lincolnshire who is fighting back to top form after a series of setbacks. The 25-year-old cruised through her qualifying final against Runa Reta, beating the Canadian 9-1 9-3 9-2.

Top US player Natalie Grainger will also be looking for glory in her national open event. The Washington-based world No5 is seeded three and arrives in New York fresh from her comeback victory in last week's Atlanta Masters in Georgia. Grainger faces Australian qualifier Amelia Pittock in the opening round, en-route to a projected semi-final clash with Jackman.

Qualifying finals:
Tania Bailey (ENG) bt Runa Reta (CAN) 9-1, 9-3, 9-2
Dominique Lloyd-Walter (ENG) bt Meredeth Quick (USA) 9-2, 9-6, 9-3
Amelia Pittock (AUS) bt Karen Kronemeyer (NED) 10-8, 9-3, 9-3
Alison Waters (ENG) bt Melissa Martin (AUS) 9-2, 9-0, 9-4