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Kerber takes fast win while Cibulkova defeats Halep in WTA Finals

Xinhua, October 27, 2016 Adjust font size:

The round-robin stage of the WTA Finals continued here on Thursday, witnessing World No. 1 player Angelique Kerber quickly beating Madison Keys 6-3, 6-3 in the Red Group, while No.7 seed Dominika Cibulkova defeated No. 3 seed Simona Halep, getting her first win.

In facing the U.S. player Keys, Kerber took a positive start in the first set, keeping such kind of momentum to the second set. In a similar situation, the 28-year-old German quickly secured her win in about one hour.

"I was moving very well and getting all the balls back; my returning was good as well and I think I played a good match -- it was good tennis from both of us," said Kerber on court after the match.

She also thanked the fans for their support as she got great memories here at Singapore Indoor Stadium.

According to the rules, Kerber qualified the first in the Red Group while Cibulkova the second, they will advance to the semifinals. However, Keys ended her season here.

"I'm disappointed how the season ended, but I'm glad it ended here in Singapore for the first time," said Keys at the press conference.

In another match between Cibulkova and Halep, the Slovakian won over Halep 6-3, 7-6 (5) with fierce fight in tiebreak.

The tiebreak started off in grand style, with Halep capping off a grueling side to side rally with a desperation squash shot. However, the Romanian didn't hold the opportunity. Cibulkova finally earned an error off Halep.

Cibulkova told the press that she felt relieved. "I'm really, really happy about my win, about the way I played and the way I handled the situation and the pressure. It seems like I'm playing my best tennis under biggest pressure," noted Cibulkova.

At the press conference, the No. 3 seed said she thought Cibulkova played well, and herself "should mixed a little bit more shots, to play more wide", to make Cibulkova run.

"I tried, but not enough. Was not enough to win the match, to win the set, second set. But mentally I was fighting until the end, so I'm okay with the match, with the way that the match went," said the Romanian.

As for double matches, top seed Caroline Garcia and Kristina Mladenovic were imperious in a 6-4, 6-2 victory over No. 8 seed Karolina Pliskova and Julia Goerges to advance into the semifinals. Endit