Petkovic sets up final against Radwanska

BEIJING: German ninth seed Andrea Petkovic brushed aside Romanian Monica Niculescu 6-2 6-0 in the women's semi-finals of the China Open to set up a final against Agnieszka Radwanska, who defeated Italian Flavia Pennetta 6-2, 6-4.

Niculescu, who was playing her third WTA semi-final, failed to hold serve throughout her match as Petkovic coasted to victory in just over an hour.

Despite the loss the Romanian, who knocked out China's Li Na and Maria Kirilenko earlier in the tournament, is projected to rise to a career-high ranking of 35 next week.

Petkovic lost her first service game, and failed to serve out for the set at 5-1, but otherwise dominated the match.

She will be playing her third final of the year after winning in Strasbourg and finishing as runner-up in Brisbane.

The women's final will also be a duel for a Top 10 spot for both Radwanska (12th in the world) and Petkovic standing one spot above. Radwanska takes a 4-0 record into the match, with their last meeting a summer Toronto semi-final.