No 1 seed Elena Baltacha of Britain thrashed Belgium’s Kirsten Flipkens 6-1, 6-1, while the fancied Shvedova from Russia beat France’s Aurelie Vedy 6-3 6-3.
The winners face each other today in what could be an epic encounter – Shvedova beat Baltach in the Bolton tournament last week.
Whoever emerges from that tussle will face the winner of today’s other tasty semi, between No 8 seed Joanna Skowicz and Daniela Kix of Austria.
Kix disposed of the No 2 seed Margit Ruutel of Estona 6-3, 3-6, 6-0, while Skowicz destroyed Germany’s No 3 seed Adriana Barna 6-0, 6-1 Both semis in the men’s $10,000 event went to three sets, with the outstanding match going the way of Simon Harston, a qualifier.
He beat Bolton tournament winner Jamie Baker 3-6, 6-4, 7-5.
Harston, a left-hander, gave up his coaching career to play the circuit again and this will be his first final.
His opponent this morning will be Matthew Smith the No 3 seed.
Smith won a Futures Event last month, beating Martin Lee, so todayday’s final, which starts play at 11 am, will be an interesting affair.
Today: Men’s doubles final: Butorac (USA)/Drake (USA) and Corrie (GBR)/Stolt USA.
Ladies semi-final Liggan (IRL)/Ostrovskaya (BLR) v Borwell GBR/Riske (USA).
Tomorrow: Ladies doubles final 10 am, Ladies singles follows (approx noon start).
Admission is free, attendance recommended!
