By Etienne Stekelenburg
February 17 2004

(Antwerp) Elena Dementieva is forced to withdraw from Proximus Diamond Games with a shoulder injury. Dementieva was suffering from a shoulder strain which sustained during her practise earlier this week. After some check ups in a hospital she decided to have a rest. She said that it’s a shame that she cant play on her first visit to Belgium.

“Unfortunatly my shoulder is not good enough to play and I would not be able to give it my best” she added.

“Its very disappointing for the tournament and the fans but I will do my best to be back here next year” Dementieva said.

Lucky loser Myriam Casanova from Switzerland will take the Russians No. 2 and world No. 10 place in the draw.

She will now face Tina Pisnik for a place in the quarterfinals.