Venus advances to Japan Open final

Tokyo, Oct 5: Wimbledon champion Venus Williams survived a scare from 17-year-old Caroline Wozniacki before winning 6-3 7-5 to reach the final of the Japan Open today.

The American, who won last week's Korea Open title, fought back from 4-2 down in the second set with some blistering shots that were too hot for her young Danish opponent to handle.

Top seed Williams broke for a 6-5 lead with a backhand drive-volley and promptly closed out proceedings with a huge first serve after one hour and 38 minutes.

The former world number one will contest her 58th WTA Tour final against either Italy's Flavia Pennetta or Frenchwoman Virginie Razzano, who were playing in today's second semi-final.

Williams, whose victory over Wozniacki was her 19th in 21 matches since winning Wimbledon, will be bidding to capture her 37th career title in tomorrow's final in Tokyo.

Reuters>