Wuhan Open: Duan Yingying storms into doubles final, Barty falls short

China's Duan Yingying remained on course for a Wuhan Open doubles titles after booking her place in the final with Veronika Kudermetova of Russia.

The 30-year-old, who has clinched two doubles titles on the WTA Tour, and her first-time partner Kudermetova came through 6-3, 6-1 against another Chinese Yang Zhaoxuan and her Japanese partner Makoto Ninomiya.

Duan and Kudermetova will have a sterner test awaiting on the Saturday final against Aryna Sabalenka and Elise Mertens, who edged out No. 4 seeds Anna-Lena Groenefeld and Demi Schuurs, 6-2, 6-1.

Duan Yingying celebrates with Veronika Kudermetova after advancing into the Wuhan Open doubles final at the Optics Valley International Tennis Centre, September 27, 2019. /VCG Photo

Sabalenka is attempting to complete a sweep in Wuhan as the reigning champion reached the singles' final for the second consecutive year after beating world No. 1 Ashleigh Barty 7-5, 6-4 in one hour and 43 minutes.

The 21-year-old Belarusia fired 24 winners and saved four of the five break points she faced against Barty, who needed treatment for a left calf injury halfway through the second set. It was her 11th consecutive win in Wuhan and takes her career record in China to 28-6.

"It means a lot for me," said the ninth-seeded Sabalenka. "It feels even better than last year... This year it was a really tough season for me. To get back on that level, it feels much more enjoyable."

Looking to become the first player to successfully defend the Wuhan title – and to be the second two-time champion alongside Kvitova – Sabalenka vows to battle until the last ball.

"I'll be there for the fight. Doesn't matter who is going to be there in the final," she said.

Sabalenka clinches her first career win against a reigning World No. 1 to return to the singles final at Wuhan Open at the Optics Valley International Tennis Centre, September 27, 2019. /VCG Photo

The identity of Sabalenka's final opponent was revealed later in the day after World No. 35 Alison Riske toppled two-time champion Petra Kvitova to power into her first Premier final in two hotly contested sets 7-5, 7-5.

"I've enjoyed playing in China from the first time I came over here," said a delighted Riske, who has now reached six finals on Chinese soil.

"I'm just really comfortable here. I enjoy all the tournaments. I feel like the courts really suit me, the environments of each tournament. I'm just glad that I have a place that I like – I'll take anything!"

(With input from agencies)