There were no surprises at the WTA Championships in Istanbul on Friday with the top seeds booking their pre-appointed spots in the semi-finals of the year end tournament. Maria Sharapova, who had already advanced to the semis courtesy her two early wins, took top spot in the White Group courtesy of a 6-0, 6-3 thumping of a hapless Samantha Stosur. The other two spots were far from settled, but top seed Victoria Azarenka ensured that she would end the year as world no.1 by battling her way past Chinese superstar Li Na in straight sets, 7-6, 6-3. Taking up the final spot in the semi-finals was the world no.4 Agnieszka Radwanska, who came through a high quality contest against Sara Errani, 6-7, 7-5, 6-4.
Sharapova wasted little time dismissing the challenge of Aussie Sam Stosur, who lost her second straight love set, having dropped the final set of her match against Sara Errani as well without taking a game. Sharapova wrapped up the opener in just 21 minutes for the loss of just 5 points before Stosur showed some semblance of resisting, keeping the second set close for initial stages. Sharapova though finished like she started, winning 4 games on the bounce to improve her record in the White Group to a perfect 3-0.