Tennis: Wickmayer surges to ASB Classic final

Yanina Wickmayer hits a backhand in her semfinal victory over Shahar Peer. Photo / Getty Images

Yanina Wickmayer's amazing run of winning every set at the ASB Classic continued today as she brushed aside Shahar Peer to book her place in the tournament final.

The third seed's 6-4 7-5 victory over the unseeded Peer sets the Belgian's year off to a great start after a forgettable 2009 where she was banned from the sport for failing to notify authorities of her whereabouts on three occasions for out-of-competition drug testing.

Wickmayer, the world No 16, produced some strong serves and solid forehands on the way to an 86-minute victory over her 30th ranked opponent.

Peer fought hard throughout, but was hampered by six double faults, a number of them coming at crucial times of a contest played in windy conditions.

Wickmayer will now meet the winner of the winner of the second semi-final between Italians Francesca Schiavone and Flavia Pennetta .

Pennetta and Schiavone will also team up for a spot in the doubles final later today as they meet top seeds Cara Black and Liesel Huber in one of two semifinals.


- NZ HERALD STAFF and NZPA