Auckland, Jan 9 : Belgian Yanina Wickmayer Saturday won the ABS Classic title to continue her emergence from the shadow of celebrated compatriots Kim Clijsters and Justine Henin.

With that high-profile pair of former number one players - both engaged in comebacks to tennis following retirement - US Open semi-finalist Wickmayer blazed her own trail with a 6-3, 6-2 defeat of top seed Flavia Pennetta to earn the Auckland title.

The third-seeded Wickmayer claimed the third title of her career dating back just over eight months.

"This week will stay in my heart and my soul for the rest of my life," she said. "I'm just really happy to bring this trophy home. It's the most important one till now.

Auckland, Jan 4 : US Open semi-finalist Yanina Wickmayer celebrated the overturning of a 2009 ban for missing drug testing dates by earning an opening-day victory to advance Monday at the ASB Classic.

Wickmayer, a wildcard entry after her sanction was reversed only weeks ago, joined Italian top seed Flavia Pennetta in powering through to start the new season.

Third-seed Wickmayer, the world number 16, defeated German Julia Goerges 6-3, 7-5 as play began an hour late due to bad weather.

Top seed Pennetta, who last played the event seven years ago, produced a 6-2, 6-4 success over veteran American Jill Craybas.

Bali, Indonesia - Distraught US Open semi-finalist Yanina Wickmayer on Friday pulled out of the Commonwealth Bank Tournament of Champions after being banned for one year for missing doping tests.

The number 18 player's place in the field for her final group match later will be taken by Russian alternate Vera Dushevina, to face Anabel Medina Garrigues.

Japan's Kimiko Date Krumm will also reach the weekend semi-finals as a result of Wickmayer's absence.

"As reported this morning, the Flemish Doping Tribunal has informed Yanina Wickmayer that effective immediately they are suspending her from competition due to three filing failures under the Belgian anti-doping whereabouts programme," said WTA Tour Chairman and CEO Stacey Allaster.