• WTA Championships

Stosur blows Li Na away to reach semi-finals in Istanbul

Sam Stosur waves to the crowd following her victory © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

• News: Kvitova outguns off-colour Wozniacki
  
• Profile: Victoria Azarenka | Marion Bartoli | Petra Kvitova | Li Na | Agnieszka Radwanska | Sam Stosur

Sam Stosur turned in a stunning display to thrash Li Na 6-1 6-0 and book a semi-final berth at the WTA Championships in Turkey.

In a straight shootout for a last-four spot, Stosur completely dominated her Chinese opponent, rattling off 15 winners en route to an emphatic victory in a little over an hour, improving her career head-to-head with Na to 6-0 in the process.

"I'm very happy with the way I played. To come back from a disappointing loss in my last match and do this is great," said Stosur, who finishes second in the White Group. "Making it to the semi-finals here last year will help me. I've learned a lot from all my previous experiences, so I'm hoping this year will be different.

"The semi-finals are tough no matter what the circumstances. I'm not expecting an easy match. I hope I can play like I did tonight."

Agnieszka Radwanska fell agonisingly short of bagging a last-four place as she lost in straight sets to Red Group winner Petra Kvitova. Radwanska was tasked with taking a set from Kvitova on Friday to guarantee herself a place in the semi-finals, and for a long time that looked a certainty. She stormed into a 5-1 lead in the first set only to capitulate and see Kvitova come roaring back to pinch it on a tiebreak.

The second set proved to be far less of a struggle for the Wimbledon champion, Kvitova broke in the eighth game and went on to complete a 7-6(4) 6-3 victory.

"When I started today I was a bit confused. I didn't know what to do and was surprised Aga was moving so well," Kvitova said. "Luckily I was able to refocus. And the atmosphere today was unbelievable - the people who came today were great, I hope they can come tomorrow too."

Marion Bartoli, replacing the injured Maria Sharapova in the White Group, beat Victoria Azarenka in the final round robin match of the week 5-7 6-4 6-4 - although the result had no bearing on either group's standings.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.