Published: Friday January 4, 2013 MYT 7:58:00 PM
China's Li Na cruises to Shenzhen final
BEIJING: Chinese tennis star Li Na cruised into the final of the Shenzhen Open with a straight sets victory in her semi-final match Friday, putting her in pole position to claim her seventh WTA singles title.
The world number seven is the firm favourite to take the trophy on home soil on Saturday when she faces off against Czech Klara Zakopalova, who is ranked 21 places below her.
The Chinese number one and top seed beat compatriot Peng Shuai 6-4, 6-0 in one hour 13 minutes to set up the final with fifth seed Zakapalova, who had earlier defeated Romanian Monica Niculescu.
Zakapalova took just one hour six minutes to claim a 6-1, 6-3 victory in her semi-final.
The Shenzhen Open - carrying total prize money of $500,000 - is being played for the first time as tennis expands in China on the back of Li's huge popularity.
Li's last singles title was at the 2012 Western and Southern Open in the United States in August - her first since she became a sporting icon in her own country by winning the 2011 French Open. - AFP
- Ice queen Nicol into British Open quarters
- National badminton team’s lack of depth a glaring factor in home tourney
- Khim Wah-V Shem perform above expectations in Sudirman Cup debut
- Dong-keun shows he’s a capable replacement
- Dane Jorgensen’s wish is to avoid Chinese ace Lin Dan in World Championships
- Kenichi’s goal is to take Japan into Sudirman Cup semi-finals
- Indonesia drawn to meet China again – in knockout stage
- Squash group on final push for Olympic bid
- Only Nicol David left to fly Malaysian flag
- Youngster Rahul getting to terms with racing in Formula 4
- Cooper headlines Wallabies auditions in Super Rugby
- America's Cup makes changes to improve safety following death
- Wasps wing Wade scoops award double
- Only Nicol David left to fly Malaysian flag
- Youngster Rahul getting to terms with racing in Formula 4
- Dane Jorgensen’s wish is to avoid Chinese ace Lin Dan in World Championships
- Jazeman ready to lap it up in his first run at Monaco
- Jindapon aims to qualify for 2016 Olympics
- Kelly heads into final round with one-stroke lead
- Squash group on final push for Olympic bid
RSS
