By TERRY MADDAFORD
It took just 50 minutes yesterday for top seeds Cara Black and Elena Likhovtseva to book their place in this afternoon's Classic doubles final.
While their Russian opponents, Alina Jidkova and Tatiana Panova, gave the favourites few worries, Zimbabwean Black later spoke of concerns in the country she calls
home.
"For sure there are things to worry about at home," said Black as she and her Russian partner Likhovtseva relaxed after their ASB Classic 6-1 6-0 semifinal win.
"It is not good the way in which white farmers are losing their farms. I feel sorry for them."
Black is away from home most of the year, but likes to keep in touch.
Her brother Byron, who retired from the ATP Tour last year, lives in Zimbabwe with his wife and two children. Her other brother, Wayne, is now in his 10th year on the tour.
"It is so unfortunate the way things are happening there. A lot of people have left to live in South Africa, Australia or New Zealand."
Considering the regularity of her visits here - she is playing in Auckland for the fifth time - Black would be welcome should she ever contemplate a change of allegiance.
Of the win she and Likhovtseva scored by dropping little more than a handful of points, Black said: "It was fun."
It might not be so easy when they go head-to-head with Americans Teryn Ashley and Abigail Spears in the tournament finale this afternoon.
The Americans booked their spot with Thursday night's 6-2, 6-3 semifinal win over youngsters Ashley Harkleroad, of the United States, and Argentine Maria Emilia Salerni, and promise a more aggressive showing than the Russians managed yesterday.
For the top seeds, the Auckland stop is an important part of their Australian Open build-up where they are certain to be seeded.
"We lost in the first round there last year without playing here first," Likhovtseva said.
"We made a conscious decision to play here this time."
While they have won a clutch of doubles titles worldwide, it is not always plain sailing.
Black has copped a few wayward Likhovtseva shots at times.
Rubbing her upper arm where she had been hit by her Russian partner in their quarter-final, Black has yet to return the compliment.
"She has hit me 10 times," Black said, laughing. "She is too nice to hit me," Likhovtseva replied.
