Tennis: Thriller sets scene for clean sweep by Zvonareva

In teaming with Elena Likhovtseva in a spine-tingling three-set victory last evening, Vera Zvonareva has given herself the chance of a Classic clean sweep today.

Already through to the ASB Classic singles final, Zvonareva then joined compatriot Likhovtseva in a titanic 2h 23m doubles semifinal.

The top seeds eventually got home 7-5, 3-6, 7-5 over third seeds Katarina Srebotnik and Shinobu Asagoe to book a place against fourth seeds Emile Loit and Barbora Strycova in this afternoon's final.

Ironically, Srebotnik last year completed the first singles-doubles haul in 12 years.

For Likhovtseva, her fourth appearance at the ASB Tennis Centre will be her last as she plans to quit the WTA circuit at the end of the year and settle into family life.

"It would be good to win a title on my last visit," said the popular 30-year-old. "I would have preferred it to be singles but I will still be happy if I can win the doubles.

"Today was the first day I have felt good," said the world No 18, blaming her lethargic start on jet lag.

Asked whether she and Zvonareva played to a set plan, she said Zvonareva tended to serve first. "That's how we started out. We have just stuck to that."

The pair obviously enjoy their time on court together.

"It is more fun when you play with another Russian," Likhovtseva said. "We can talk in Russian without having to whisper."

There was added satisfaction for the Russian duo in winning - it was the first time in three battles with their Japanese/Slovenian opponents they have won.

The victory also gives Likhovtseva the chance of a 25th WTA doubles crown and a second with Zvonareva after their success in Berlin last year.

Likhovtseva, who turned professional in January 1992, will play her 51st doubles final today. She has also won three of eight singles finals.

In the earlier semifinal, Loit and Strycova beat unseeded Yulia Beygelzimer and 2004 doubles winner Mervana Jugic-Salkic in straight sets.