Williams thrashed by Halep at WTA Finals

By Patrick Johnston SINGAPORE (Reuters) - World number one Serena Williams suffered one of the heaviest defeats of her long and illustrious career as she was humbled 6-0 6-2 by Romanian Simona Halep at the WTA Finals on Wednesday. The 18-times grand slam winner won only nine points in the opening set as her game deserted her in alarming fashion. The double defending champion, who was on a 16-match winning streak in the event, served seven double faults and struggled for any rhythm with her groundstrokes as the world number four claimed a famous first win over the 33-year-old American. Williams can still make it through to the semi-finals of the season ending event but she will need to beat Canadian Eugenie Bouchard on Thursday.