Kasatkina to face Haddad Maia in Korea Open final

English Woman's Journal - Kasatkina to face Haddad Maia in Korea Open final

Kasatkina to face Haddad Maia in Korea Open final / Photo: Jung Yeon-je - AFP

Kasatkina beat compatriot Diana Shnaider 6-3, 6-4 on a busy Saturday in Seoul that saw all the quarter-finals and semi-finals played because rain had washed out the previous day's entire schedule.

Number three seed Haddad Maia beat Russia's Veronika Kudermetova 6-4, 6-4 to reach her second final in three tournaments.

Kasatkina came through her quarter-final when Britain's Emma Raducanu retired with an injured foot after losing the opening set.

Shnaider also needed medical attention during the semi-final, but Kasatkina kept her cool to win a semi-final that saw 11 breaks of serve overall.

"To reach the final at a tournament is always a great feeling -- it means that you have done good through all the week," said Kasatkina, the world number 13.

"I'm really happy to be in the final again. I'm taking as much time as I can here in Seoul."

Haddad Maia made her experience count in a 6-2, 6-1 quarter-final win over Polina Kudermetova that earned her a semi-final against her beaten opponent's older sister.

Haddad Maia again came out on top despite another day of challenging weather conditions in the South Korean capital.

"During the last four days we had different type of conditions," said world number 17 Haddad Maia.

"Today was very windy and the wind was changing direction so it wasn't easy. A lot of days were hot, also humidity."

Kasatkina and Haddad Maia have faced each other three times previously, with the Brazilian winning two of those encounters.

Kasatkina won their most recent meeting, in the semi-finals in Abu Dhabi in February.

"I'm happy that I could find myself in this match," Haddad Maia said after beating Kudermetova.

"I improved a little bit my game from the first match I had today so I'm happy. Tomorrow I have another opportunity to do it better."

P.Smid--EWJ

FA Cup Second-Round Draw Confirmed for Non-League and Midlands Clubs

The FA Cup second-round draw has been finalized, setting up crucial ties for non-league teams aiming to reach the third round proper. Several clubs from the Midlands, including Burton Albion and Kidderminster Harriers, have secured their next opponents following recent victories over lower-league opposition.

Panthers expected to begin 2027 NRL season away from new stadium

The new Penrith Stadium is expected to be ready in time for the opening round of the 2027 NRL season, but it’s still likely the Panthers is expected to be on the road for their early matches. There is no delay to the build of the new $309 million venue but there’s a lack of appetite for risk around weather delays through the summer.

Tayyab Arif hits 57 on Pakistan Test debut against Sri Lanka

RAWALPINDI, Pakistan (AP) — Tayyab Arif smashed an aggressive half-century on debut and provided a new-look Pakistan lineup a confident start to the first cricket test against Sri Lanka on Monday. The 20-year-old Tayyab struck nine boundaries and a six in his 57-run knock as Pakistan reached 137-2 at lunch on a greenish wicket that lured Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis to bowl first after winning the toss.

English Woman's Journal - Kasatkina to face Haddad Maia in Korea Open final