Advertisement

Help
You are here: Rediff Home » India » Sports » Tennis » Reuters > Report
Search:  Rediff.com The Web
Advertisement
   Discuss   |      Email   |      Print | Get latest news on your desktop

Sprem, Myskina in final
Get Sports updates:What's this?
Advertisement
September 24, 2005 22:30 IST

Croatia's Karolina Sprem toppled an injured Elena Likhovtseva of Russia [Images], the second seed, to enter the final of the $170,000 WTA Kolkata Open on Saturday.

The 20-year-old Sprem, the number seven seed ranked world number 81, rallied for a 4-6, 6-4, 6-1 victory after Likhovtseva needed treatment for lower back trouble during the second set.

She now meets top seed Anastasia Myskina [Images], who displayed her best form to outplay unseeded Kaia Kanepi of Estonia 6-3, 6-1 in the other semi-final.

The 2004 French Open champion, the world number 12, is aiming to secure her first title of the year.

Likhovtseva won a scrappy first set which featured five breaks of serve. The 30-year-old dropped serve in game five of the second set before taking an injury break.

With Likhovtseva clearly struggling after treatment, Sprem wrapped up the final set, dashing hopes of an all-Russian final.

A disappointed Likhovtseva said: "I felt bad losing. But I couldn't serve, lost concentration and I couldn't run sideways."

Sprem, scoring her third victory over Likhovtseva, was delighted.

"This year I'm playing well. I think my confidence is coming back," she said. "I want to win the tournament."



© Copyright 2008 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.
 Email  |    Print   |   Get latest news on your desktop

© 2008 Rediff.com India Limited. All Rights Reserved. Disclaimer | Feedback