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Li Na advances to French Open final

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2011-06-02 22:13

Li Na of China returns the ball to Maria Sharapova of Russia during their semi-final match at the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris June 2, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]

PARIS - China's tennis legend Li Na made history again at the French Open, beating Maria Sharapova of Russia 6-4, 7-5 here on Thursday to roar into the women's singles final.

Li, 28, became the first Chinese woman to enter the French Open singles final. She had already made history twice at the French Open as the first Chinese lady to advance to quarterfinals and semifinals.

Today's final berth ensured Li Na, world No. 7, to rise to at least No. 5 on the WTA rankings.

In the Australian Open earlier this year, Li Na stunned the world as the first Chinese woman to be in a Grand Slam singles final and got a Grand Slam sliver.

In today's semifinal, Li Na was superior in the pace and sharp-angled strokes. Her sideline-oriented attacks broke Sharapova's defence many times.

Sharapova, world No. 6, used to be superior in service but conceded so many double faults today. She also lost to Li Na in the mental confrontation.

Li Na and Sharapova met seven times in world arena before today's semifinal. Sharapova won the first five and Li Na took the latest two.