Kvitova sweeps past Zhang into Zhuhai final

Beijing - Number three seed Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic swept past China's number one Zhang Shuai 6-2, 6-2 to book a place in the finals at the $2.2 million WTA Elite Trophy in Zhuhai Saturday.

Overcoming a partial home crowd in the seaside southern Chinese city, Kvitova dominated the Chinese wildcard in an impressive display, breezing to an early 5-1 lead shortly after the beginning of play and cruising to victory in 66 minutes.

Kvitova has shown excellent form in recent months and secured her third finals clash in her last four appearances.

Twenty-seven-year-old Zhang, ranked 28th in the world, had bounced back from retirement rumours after a disappointing tour last year to reach the quarterfinals of the Australian Open earlier this year.

In the final round Kvitova will face the winner of top seed Johanna Konta and fourth-seed Elina Svitolina's duel later tonight.

Women's singles

Semi-finals

Elina Svitolina (UKR x4) bt Johanna Konta (GBR x1) 2-6, 6-1, 6-4

Petra Kvitova (CZE x3) bt Zhang Shuai (CHN x12) 6-2, 6-2