PATTAYA, Thailand -- Second-seeded Maria Kirilenko of Russia and fifth-seeded Sabine Lisicki of Germany advanced to the final of the Pattaya Open with straight-set victories on Saturday.
Kirilenko used a powerful return of serve to defeat fourth-seeded Sorana Cirstea of Romania 6-0, 6-2 in only 67 minutes and take a 3-2 lead in head-to-head encounters.
Lisicki boosted her chances of a fourth WTA title, firing eight aces to beat Nina Bratchikova of Russia 7-5, 6-3 at Dusit Resort.
Lisicki saved five of eight break points during the 90-minute match against her 130th-ranked opponent.