Victoria Azarenka has booked a place in the semi-finals of the WTA Championships after defeating Li Na in two straight sets in Istanbul.
The Belarusian recorded a 6-2 6-2 victory over her opponent to ensure her a place in the next stage of the tournament.
The two competitors went into the clash on equal points in the White Group, with Li Na recording a straight-sets victory over former world number one Maria Sharapova yesterday.
The duo were on a par with each other in the opening stages, until the Belarusian came into her stride and managed to break her Chinese opponent twice to lead 4-1 in the first set.
Despite pressure from the world number five, Azarenka managed to claim the first set and take the lead for the third successive time in the tournament.
The world number four continued her good form by breaking Li Na's serve in the first match of the second set but the Chinese pro wasn't far behind and showed encouraging signs of a comeback.
Despite her best attempts, Li Na was unable to overcome the 22-year-old, who fought her way to a semi-final spot in the tournament.
Danielle Joynson
