Venus Williams beat Elena Dementieva on Wed during round-robin play in Sony Ericsson Championships Maroon Group.

Attempting to win the season-ending event for the first time in her career, Williams notched her second group win of the tournament to be well on her way to the next stage, with one round-robin match remaining - against her sister Serena.

"I like winning matches, and this is my first Championship in forever, so, obviously, I do want to do well," said Williams.

"This is my first time ever playing in a round robin, so it is a new experience, but of course I have a ton of experience with playing big matches and that kind of thing. So I enjoy it."

Dementieva was understandably less enthusiastic in the wake of the defeat, saying: "I was not satisfied with the way I was playing.

"I think I was a little bit too nervous playing my first match here at the championships. It's very tough to play your first match against such a big champion.

"I think she played really well (on Tuesday), and she was in good shape. I feel I had so many chances, and couldn't make it."

Serena Williams had a more straightforward win than her sister, seeing off Dinara Safina 6-4 6-1, but French Open champion Ana Ivanovic continued to struggle in the White Group.

The Serb, who is battling a virus according to the WTA, lost 6-3 6-7 (5/7) 6-4 to Russia's Vera Zvonareva.

Ivanovic, who lost to Serbian compatriot and world number one Jelena Jankovic on Tuesday, has lost both of her group matches, meaning she must win her remaining contest and hope other results go her way to have any hope of advancing.