Kvitova, Cibulkova to battle for Wuhan title

Former champion Petra Kvitova advanced to the final of the Wuhan Open by beating fourth-seeded Simona Halep of Romania 6-1 6-2 Friday.

Kvitova hit four aces and saved all three break points she faced to set up a final with Dominika Cibulkova, who defeated Svetlana Kuznetsova 3-6 6-3 6-4.

Kvitova, who eliminated top-ranked Angelique Kerber in the third round, advanced to her first final of the year after her first win over Halep in four career meetings.

She won the inaugural Wuhan Open in 2014.

”It’s amazing,” Kvitova said. ”I came to this tournament and really didn’t expect this kind of performance. Physically I’m still so-so. I’m really happy that I’m not falling apart. But I played a really great match today in spite of everything, which really put the pressure on her.”

Cibulkova is seeking her third title of the year following wins in Eastbourne and Katowice.

In reaching her fifth final of the season, Cibulkova guaranteed herself a return to the top 10 and boosted her hopes of qualifying for the WTA Finals in Singapore.

”It feels great,” she said. ”I’m really tired right now, but the feeling to be in the final is unbelievable, and that’s why I love it. It’s just a great win for me today.”

Cibulkova has now won her last five matches against Kuznetsova.