Lloyd Ends the String for Jordan

Chris Evert Lloyd ended unseeded Kathy Jordan’s giant-killing spree with a 6-2, 6-4 victory Sunday in the final of the $150,000 Virginia Slims of California.

Jordan began the match against the No. 2-seeded player less than 15 hours after beating No. 1 Martina Navratilova, 5-7, 6-3, 7-6, Saturday night. In the second round, Jordan beat No. 3-seeded Hana Mandlikova.

The victory at the Oakland Coliseum Arena earned Lloyd $33,000, while Jordan, ranked 18th on the tour, won $14,600.

Lloyd won the match in 1 hour 20 minutes with pinpoint lobs and crisp passing shots. It was her 11th win in 14 career matches against Jordan, who upset her in the third round at Wimbledon in 1983. Jordan’s only victory in their eight indoor matches came a year ago in the first round of the Virginia Slims Championships.

“I did everything well,” Lloyd said. “I think all week I had anticipated a Martina match in the finals. I never relaxed though, even though it was easier mentally to play Kathy.”

Lloyd said she was surprised that Jordan didn’t seem more tired after the late Saturday night match.

She didn’t have a letdown, Lloyd said.

Asked about her lob, Lloyd said, “I don’t think enough players use the lob. Most go for the passing shots. But when I see her three feet from the net, I’m confident I can lob over her and win the point. I knew her game.”