Kirilenko, Lisicki reach Pattaya Open final

Maria Kirilenko defeated fourth-seeded Sorana Cirstea of Romania 6-0, 6-2 in only 67 minutes.

Sakchai Lalit/AP

PATTAYA, Thailand (AP) -- Second-seeded Maria Kirilenko of Russia and fifth-seeded Sabine Lisicki of Germany advanced to the final of the Pattaya Open with straight-set victories on Saturday.

Kirilenko used a powerful return of serve to defeat fourth-seeded Sorana Cirstea of Romania 6-0, 6-2 in only 67 minutes and take a 3-2 lead in head-to-head encounters.

Lisicki boosted her chances of a fourth WTA title, firing eight aces to beat Nina Bratchikova of Russia 7-5, 6-3 at Dusit Resort.

Lisicki saved five of eight break points during the 90-minute match against her 130th-ranked opponent.

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