Myskina Avoiding Sprem Donation in WTA Kolkata Final

Either Anastasia Myskina or Karolina Sprem will win their first title of the year Sunday when the Russian former French Open winner and the Croatian comer face each other in the final at the WTA stop in Kolkata.

The No. 7-seeded Sprem came from a set down to defeat No. 2-seed Elena Likhovtseva 4-6, 6-4, 6-1, with the Russian injuring her back in the second set.

"I guess I lost my concentration when I got hurt," Likhovtseva said. "I could serve okay but it was difficult to run side-to-side. But credit to Karolina, she still played well today."

Entering the event Sprem had won three consecutive matches only twice in 2005.

Myskina rolled Kaia Kanepi, the first Estonian to reach a WTA Tour semifinal, 6-3, 6-1, in under an hour.

"I've been getting better with every match," Myskina said. "After a few games I was able to read her serve, which made it easier for me in the return games. I haven't won a title in a year now, so I'm really hoping I can do it tomorrow."

Myskina defeated Sprem in three sets in their only previous meeting in 2003 Fed Cup play.

"Karolina's a tough player," said Myskina of Sprem. "She's obviously playing with a lot of confidence right now, but I've also had some good results lately, so I'll be going into the final believing I can win."

The doubles final will be the Indian Uberoi sisters against the top-seeded Russian pair of Likhovtseva/Myskina.