|
 The Czech beat Ukraine's Elina Svitolina 6-3 7-5 to set up a
final against either Canada's Eugenie Bouchard, whom she beat in the
Wimbledon final, or U.S. Open runner-up Caroline Wozniacki.
Victory in her 18th Tour final on Saturday will seal Kvitova's place
in the year-ending WTA Finals in Singapore.
Kvitova lost her only previous meeting with Svitolina but was always
the dominant player this time, winning the first set with ease and
edging the second after surrendering an early break of service to
the world number 34.
Organizers will be breathing a sigh of relief that they will at
least have a marquee final.
 After local heroine Li Na announced her retirement from the sport on
the eve of the tournament, world number one Serena Williams withdrew
through illness and Maria Sharapova was bundled out by Swiss
qualifier Timea Bacsinszky.
[to top of second column] |
Former world number one Victoria Azarenka also withdrew before the
tournament started while second seed Simona Halep could not take to
the court for her third round match because of a stomach bug and
Jelena Jankovic retired with a back injury.
(Reporting by Martyn Herman; Editing by Ossian Shine)
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