Shootout will decide women's top gun

Halep and Wozniacki on firing line for world No 1

MELBOURNESimona Halep fended off Angelique Kerber to set up a high-stakes Australian Open final against Caroline Wozniacki that will have a first Grand Slam title and the No 1 ranking on the line for both players.

After No 2 Wozniacki secured her spot in the final with a 6-3, 7-6 (2) win over Elise Mertens earlier in the day, top-seeded Halep raced into a 6-3, 3-1 lead in the second semifinal before Kerber rallied to force a deciding set.