Top seeds set up final showdown

Dubai: The top two women's seeds have set up a final showdown at the ITF Dubai Aviation Cup for emerging talent.

Top seed Magali de Lattre of Portugal fought her way past Russian Marta Sirotkina, the fifth seed 7-5, 6-4, while second seed Alexandra Damaschin eased past fourth seed Manana Shapakidze 6-3, 6-3.

In the men's draw Monaco's Benjamin Balleret continued his good form and will meet Marco Chiudinelli in the men's singles final.

The women's top seed de Lattre was down 0-4 in the first set in her semi but fought back to draw level and then take it 7-5.

She was off early in the second at 5-2 and serving for the set. But her concentration gave way as Sirotkina started sending down winners to break and hold for 5-4.

"I had to really dig in deep and tell myself that I cannot afford to play a third set and that somehow helped me bring back my focus," said de Lattre.

In the lower half of the draw, things were pretty easy for the second seed as she pinned down her more experienced opponent with a good mix of drop shots and slices.

"I had lost to her before and I did not want to make the same mistakes today.

"So I had to put up a good defence and then wait for her to make the mistakes," Damaschin stated.

Thrilled

Top seed de Lattre was thrilled to be in the final, particularly after such a closely contested encounter in the semifinal.

"I really enjoyed such a tough game against her today," she said. "I am pleased that I go into the final after a tight match as I have been ready for the final from the start of the tournament," said the Portuguese player.

In the men's semifinals, Balleret continued his winning ways by disposing off yet another seeded player.

This time it was fifth seed Ivan Sergeyev, of Ukraine, 6-3, 6-2.

Pleased with form

"I am pleased with the way I am playing, and especially with the way I am volleying more," said Balleret.

"I think I surprised all with my tennis, even myself," he added.

In a fight between two friends and colleagues, Switzerland Marco Chiudinelli defeated doubles partner Ivo Klec 1-6, 6-4, 6-1 to set up a meeting against Balleret. Singles winners in both competitions earn an automatic entry at the qualifiers of next year's Barclays Tennis Championships.

Today's play will commence from 2pm with the women's singles final followed by the men's final from 4pm. Entrance for the matches is free.