Wawrinka into Chennai Open final

Cape Town - Defending champion Stanislas Wawrinka sailed into the ATP Chennai Open final on Saturday after defeating France's Benoit Paire, inching closer to a third consecutive title in southern India.

The world No 4 took just one hour and five minutes to beat No 3 seed Paire in straight sets, 6-3 6-4, at the Nungambakkam Tennis Stadium.

Two-time Grand Slam winner Wawrinka is seeking to get his name on the Chennai Open trophy for the fourth time in the $480 000 tournament, after earning victories in 2011, 2014 and 2015.

A victory in India will help keep top seed Wawrinka in prime condition before the Australian Open kicks off on January 18 in Melbourne.

The final of the Chennai Open takes place on Sunday.