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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Saturday, October 3, 2009

Sharapova in Tokyo final


Associated Press

TOKYO — Maria Sharapova will have a chance to add to two previous career successes in Japan after advancing yesterday to the final of the Toray Pan Pacific Open with a 6-3, 2-6, 6-4 win over Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland.

The Russian will face seventh-seeded Jelena Jankovic of Serbia in today's final at Ariake Colosseum, hoping to break a title drought that extends back to April last year. She has won four of her previous five matches against Jankovic, who defeated China's Li Na, 6-4, 6-3 in the other semifinal.

"She's a very solid player," Sharapova said of Jankovic. "She's a great mover and makes you hit a lot of balls. The points are never easy so it will be a tough match."

Sharapova has struggled since returning from a 10-month injury layoff but has a record of strong performances in Japan. She won her first tournament as a professional at the Japan Open in 2003 and won this tournament in 2005.

SHORT LOBS

Malaysian Open: Top-seeded Nikolay Davydenko overcame Gael Monfils, 6-3, 6-3, yesterday day to reach the semifinals at Kuala Lumpur. Second-seeded Fernando Verdasco, third-seeded Robin Soderling, and fourth-seeded Fernando Gonzalez also reached the semifinals.

Thailand Open: Defending champion Jo-Wilfried Tsonga beat Marco Chiudinelli, 6-7 (7), 6-3, 6-4, to reach the semifinals in Bangkok. Second-seeded Gilles Simon, fourth-seeded Viktor Troicki and sixth-seeded Jurgen Melzer also advanced.