Estoril Open 2005 News and Events

April 30, 2005

Czech qualifier Lucie Safarova will meet China's Na Li in the women's final of the Estoril Open. Safarova, the World No. 155, advanced to her first final on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour after defeating No. 3 seed Gisela Dulko of Argentina 7-6(3), 6-0 and become the second qualifier in three years to earn a shot at the title.

Germany's Julia Schruff achieved the feat in 2003 before losing to Magui Serna, but whatever happens in the final, Safarova is already delighted with her week's work.

"I didn't expect to be playing in the final on Sunday when I came to play in the qualifying last week," said the 18-year-old Czech. "Being in the main draw was already very good for me, but being in the final is fabulous."

Earlier in the day Li, who captured her first career title in Guangzhou in 2004, took just 64 minutes to upset No. 2 seed Dinara Safina. "Last night I was thinking about my strategy," said the 23-year-old. "I fought for every point and tried to keep my mind very clear about my strategy. I tried to play every point like a key point. I made it difficult for her and she lost patience."

Looking ahead to Sunday's clash, she added: "I have to prepare for the final and think about it. Of course everybody gets nervous going into a final. There's only one champion."

In the doubles final, Ting Li and Tiantian Sun made it a successful day for China as they defeated Michaella Krajicek and Henrieta Nagyova 6-3, 6-1 to claim the title.