PATTAYA : Fourth seed Ekaterina Makarova of Russia will meet Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic in today's final after they both needed three sets in yesterday's semi-finals at the PTT Pattaya Open.
Ekaterina Makarova
Makarova beat Andrea Hlavackova of the Czech Republic 6-3, 0-6, 6-4, while Pliskova defeated Germany's Julia Goerges 6-3, 4-6, 6-3.
The 21-year-old Pliskova served 13 aces against the error-prone German to win the match in one hour and 35 minutes. She reached her second career WTA final after winning the title in Kuala Lumpur last year.
Pliskova took a 3-0 lead in the decisive set but failed to convert two match points at 5-2. However, she served out the match at love in the next game.
"It was not an easy match for me. We had long rallies as she served really well in the second set. In the third set, I tried to stay calm and it wasn't easy for me. I stayed focused and played my game and got ready for my chance," said world No.66 Pliskova.
"This is my second final. It is good for me and it will be tougher than the first. However, I am ready for the final."
She defeated American Bethanie Mattek-Sands in the Kuala Lumpur final.
For Makarova, it will be her second final in four years after winning at Eastbourne in 2010.
"She played aggressively and moved very fast," Makarova said.
"In the second set, I was so angry at myself because I played three sets yesterday and I wanted to finish in two sets.
Asked about today's final, Makarova said: "She moves well and returns well. It will be difficult for me but I am ready for the match."
RESULTS
Semi-finalsSingles: Karolina Pliskova (CZE) bt Julia Goerges (GER) 6-3, 4-6, 6-3
Ekaterina Makarova (RUS x4) bt Andrea Hlavackova (CZE) 6-3, 0-6, 6-4
Doubles: Shuai Peng and Shuai Zhang (CHNx4) bt Noppawan Lertcheewakarn (THA) and Vera Zvonareva (RUS) 6-2, 6-3
ORDER OF PLAY
Finals
Court 1
Singles (4pm): Karolina Pliskova (CZE) v Ekaterina Makarova (RUSx4)
Doubles: Alla Kudryavtseva (RUS) and Anastasia Rodionova (AUS) v Shuai Peng and Shuai Zhang (CHN)
Karolina Pliskova