The fourth-seeded Li prevented second-seeded Petra Kvitova from reaching No. 1 this week, as the Chinese slugger continued her winning ways at this tournament with a 1-6, 7-5, 6-2 semifinal victory on Day 5 at Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre.
Li converted on 4-of-6 break-point chances, while saving 10-of-14 break opportunities for Kvitova, who could have overtaken Caroline Wozniacki as the top player in the world with a title here.
The 29-year-old Li appears to be relocating her game, which fell on hard times after she reached last year's Aussie Open final and captured her first-ever major title at the French Open.
