PLISKOVA STORMS INTO SEMIS

Czech Karolina Pliskova stormed into the semifinals Thursday after a convincing straight sets victory against compatriot Petra Kvitova, sending the former Wimbledon champion crashing out of the WTA Finals in Singapore. Pliskova became the first player into the final four after a 6-3, 6-4 triumph in 83 minutes. The result puts pressure on reigning champion Caroline Wozniacki, who needs to defeat unbeaten Elina Svitolina in straight sets to keep her title defence alive. Former world number one Pliskova booked her spot in the semifinals for the second straight year having also beaten Wozniacki earlier in the tournament. It was Pliskova's first victory over Kvitova after three straight losses. "It was a huge victory for me," she told reporters after the game. "It meant a lot to get into the semifinals after beating her, it's just special."