WTA Malaysian Open 2010: Day 6 Results & OOP for Final Day

It's an all Russian affair final at the WTA Malaysian Open 2010 tomorrow.

Elena Dementieva and Alisa Kleybanova, who have never played each other before, will be looking to make history by becoming the first winner of the inaugural US$220,000 event.

Alisa Kleybanova

In today’s first singles semifinal match, Kleybanova defeated 19 year-old Ayumi Morita 6-4, 6-1.

Meanwhile, in a rain delayed second singles semifinal match, Dementieva beat Sybille Bammer 6-1, 6-3.

Elena Dementieva

The last match of the day saw Alla Kudryavtseva and Galina Voskoboeva take on the first seeded pairing of Chan Yung-Jan and Zheng Jie in the second doubles semi-final.

It was an easy victory for Zheng Jie and Chan who worked together perfectly and sealed their place in the finals with 6-4, 6-0.

They will meet sisters, Anastasia and Arina Rodionova tomorrow. Tomorrow’s matches will kick-off with the doubles final at 2PM on Centre Court. Following that will be the singles final at 4PM and the prize presentation.

Here's the complete results and OOP for the final day FYI.

(Via Carbon Media)

VIDEO: Rafael Nadal makes appearance in Shakira makes world premiere

The much awaited Shakira's Gypsy video co-starring Rafael Nadal finally made its world premiere yesterday.

Honestly speaking, I didn't see that ending coming... watch it for yourself.

WTA Malaysian Open 2010: Day 5 Results & OOP for Day 6

Alisa Kleybanova

Top seed Elena Dementieva displayed her class and was hardly pushed throughout her two-set encounter with Magdalena Rybarikova.

The Russian triumphed in just 1 hour and 2 minutes to win 6-0, 6-3, setting up an exciting semifinal match against no.6 seed Sybille Bammer, who overcame Chang Kai-Chen 6-3, 3-6, 3-6.

In another match yesterday, Ayumi Morita played strongly to defeat Chanelle Scheepers 6-3, 7-5 and progressed to the other semifinal where she will meet Alisa Kleybanova who defeated Anastasia Rodionova 4-6, 6-3, 6-4.

In doubles, second seeds Chan Yung-Jan and Zheng Jie booked their place in the semifinals after overcoming Vitalia Diatchenko (RUS) and Chanelle Scheepers (RSA) 4-6, 4-6.

Here's the complete results for yesterday.

Click on image for larger view

Today’s singles semifinal matches will see Alisa Kleybanova take on Ayumi Morita at 2pm on Centre Court. That match will be followed by the second singles semifinal featuring Elena Dementieva and Sybille Bammer.

The final match of the day will see a doubles semifinal between the pairing of Chan Yung-Jan and Zheng Jie against Alla Kudryavtseva and Galina Voskoboeva. The winners will play against sisters Anastasia and Arina Rodionova.

Click the following image for the OOP on Day 6.

Click on image for larger view

(Via Carbon Media)

Happy Birthday Li Na!

Today is Li Na's 28th birthday and I'm lucky enough to be invited to her surprise birthday bash.

Together with the linesmen, ballboys/ballgirls, media and organisers, we started off by singing the birthday song (Malay version) and followed by the English version.

The bouquet of flowers was from HCFoo's Tennis Blog ;-)

Hope Li Na will have a great year ahead and perhaps win the Grand Slam this year ;)

(Images by HSFoo)