Williams wins Australian hardcourt championships

World number three Venus Williams warmed up for the Australian Open with a 7-5 6-2 victory over Justine Henin in Saturday's final of the Australian women's hardcourt championships.

Williams, 21, the tournament's top seed, took control in the second set, racing to a 5-1 lead before dropping serve then immediately breaking back as Henin double-faulted on match point.

Williams made a slow start against the Belgian defending champion and second seed, losing the first two games before recovering to reach two-all in the first set.

Henin, 19, the world number seven, saved four set points trailing 4-5 but was overpowered by the American in the 12th game of the first set.

The Australian Open starts in Melbourne on January 14.