By Dustin Dow
Enquirer staff writer

Amy Frazier defeated Mashona Washington in the second round of the Western & Southern Financial Group Women's Open. The Enquirer/JEFF SWINGER

MASON - Amy Frazier and Mashona Washington each entered their second-round match Wednesday with the momentum of playing well built up for several weeks.

Frazier came out of the match playing even better while Washington was frustrated with her own mistakes that cost her significantly in a 6-4, 6-3 loss to Frazier in the Western & Southern Financial Group Women's Open.

"I don't know if it was a combination of tight or nerves or what," Washington said. "I must have had about 50 errors out there. ... Obviously, I'm disappointed. I thought I could have put on a better show and come out with a win. I felt like I was playing pretty well, but you have those days."

Frazier, seeded No. 3, advanced to the quarterfinal round of a tournament for the third time in the last four tournaments. She will play Selima Sfar on Friday.

After winning the first set against Washington, Frazier went up two breaks at 4-1 in the second set. Washington broke back, and had an opportunity for a second break, leading love-40 at 3-4. But Frazier scored six straight points, in part due to Washington's unforced errors, and gained back control of the match.

"Definitely I felt like the momentum shifted a little bit there so I was just trying to get each point," Frazier said. "She made a couple unforced errors there, which was lucky for me."

With the U.S. Open set to begin Aug. 30, Frazier said she's pleased with the way she has played of late, her ranking at No. 24.

She will be heading back to the Open for the 18th consecutive year, with her best showing in 1995 when she reached the quarterfinals.

"Everyone is obviously excited about the U.S. Open," Frazier said. "But we're all excited to be here, too."

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