Tennis: Daniilidou on target for repeat triumph at ASB Classic

6.00pm

Eleni Daniilidou is on course to retain the ASB Classic international women's tennis title.

The Greek player today qualified for tomorrow's final in Auckland, which she won a year ago, with a thrilling semifinal victory over tournament top seed Paola Suarez, of Argentina.

Daniilidou, the third seed, wore down Suarez to win a marathon first set 15-13 in the tiebreak before wrapping up the match by winning the second set 6-4.

She will meet American Ashley Harkleroad in the final.

Harkleroad beat Frenchwoman Marion Bartoli 3-6 6-4 6-1 in the other semifinal this afternoon.

- NZPA