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Updated at 10:22 a.m., Saturday, February 23, 2008

Tennis: Sharapova in all-Russian final at Qatar Open

Associated Press

DOHA, Qatar — Maria Sharapova defeated Agnieszka Radwanska 6-4, 6-3 today to extend her unbeaten run to 13 matches and set up an all-Russian final at the Qatar Open.

Sharapova, who avenged her loss to Radwanska at the U.S. Open, will play Vera Zvonareva in the final tomorrow. Zvonareva rallied to defeat Li Na 3-6, 6-3, 6-3 in the semifinal.

"It was a good opportunity for me to go out and play against a player who had beaten me," Sharapova said. "I think she did a good job early in the match, but I was able to get ahead and play good tennis."

The winner of the Australian Open had two breaks to Radwanska's one in the first set, and broke her three times in the second set.

"It wasn't an easy match as she got a lot of balls back, but I was able to dig in and get winners myself," Sharapova said.

She leads the series 4-3 against Zvonareva, but lost in three sets at Indian Wells last year.

"I don't want to lose again," Sharapova said.

The winner will receive $441,000, the richest paycheck on the WTA Tour outside the Grand Slams.