Injury forced Maria Sharapova to retire from her China Open semi-final match against fellow Russian Maria Kirilenko. Sharapova lost the first set 6-4 and was losing the second 2-1 before pulling out, citing an existing chest problem, according to organisers.
Kirilenko will play Germany's Anna-Lena Groenefeld, who beat Poland's Marta Domachowska 7-5 6-3.
Groenefeld secured her place at the tournament following an injury to American Lindsay Davenport.
"I'm very excited. I hope it's going to be my first title," said the German.
MMIX
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