HOBART: Third seed Elena Rybakina endured a tough test against British qualifier Heather Watson before winning 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 to reach the final of the Hobart International on Friday.

The 20-year-old Kazakh, who lost in the Shenzhen Open title clash last week, became the first player since Agnieszka Radwanska in 2013 to reach back-to-back finals in the opening two weeks of the year.

Standing in the way of Rybakina and a second career crown is fourth seed Zhang Shuai, who powered past Veronika Kudermetova 6-3, 6-4 in the other semi-final.

Zhang has the chance to seal a memorable double on Saturday after reaching the doubles final with partner Peng Shuai. The Chinese duo face Nadiia Kichenok and Sania Mirza next.

Published in Dawn, January 18th, 2020

Opinion

Editorial

Missing links
Updated 27 Apr, 2024

Missing links

As the past decades have shown, the country has not been made more secure by ‘disappearing’ people suspected of wrongdoing.
Freedom to report?
27 Apr, 2024

Freedom to report?

AN accountability court has barred former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife from criticising the establishment...
After Bismah
27 Apr, 2024

After Bismah

BISMAH Maroof’s contribution to Pakistan cricket extends beyond the field. The 32-year old, Pakistan’s...
Business concerns
Updated 26 Apr, 2024

Business concerns

There is no doubt that these issues are impeding a positive business clime, which is required to boost private investment and economic growth.
Musical chairs
26 Apr, 2024

Musical chairs

THE petitioners are quite helpless. Yet again, they are being expected to wait while the bench supposed to hear...
Global arms race
26 Apr, 2024

Global arms race

THE figure is staggering. According to the annual report of Sweden-based think tank Stockholm International Peace...