Belgian Justine Henin-Hardenne twice clawed herself back from the brink of defeat to beat Italy's [Images] Francesca Schiavone 4-6, 7-5, 7-5 in the final of the Sydney International on Friday.

Schiavone looked to be on her way to her first WTA Tour title when she led 6-4, 4-1 in the second set then again when she served for the match at 5-3 in the third.

But the former world number one drew on all her big-match experience to fight back on both occasions, raising her game as the errors started to creep into Schiavone's game.

The Italian, who had lost each of her five previous WTA Tour titles, was a point away from grabbing a 5-1 lead in the second set.

However, Henin-Hardenne regained her composure, holding serve for 2-4 then reeling off five of the next six games to square the match.

Schiavone jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the deciding set and although the fifth seed pulled back to 3-3, she broke again to serve for the match at 5-3.

SUDDEN SHOWER

Henin-Hardenne broke when Schiavone double-faulted then unleashed a ferocious return forehand down the line to lead 6-5.

There was more drama in the final game when a sudden shower forced the players to scurry from the court with Henin-Hardenne three points from victory.

But they returned once the rain passed, with Henin-Hardenne hitting a winning forehand to seal victory after three hours to remain unbeaten in Australia for three years and go into next week's Australian Open with renewed confidence.

- UNI

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