Barty storms past Han into Malaysian Open final

KUALA LUMPUR: Australian qualifier Ashleigh Barty breezed past China’s Han Xinyun 6-3 7-5 in the Malaysian Open to reach her first singles final, where will face Japan’s Nao Hibino in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday. The 20-year-old Barty, who returned to tennis this year after taking time out to play cricket, broke Han’s serve three times en route to wrapping up the match in one hour 18 minutes. Barty could climb into the world’s top 100 if she beats Hibino who defeated Poland’s Magda Linette 2-6 6-4 6-4. Defending champion and top seed Elina Svitolina withdrew from the tournament with a leg injury on Wednesday. — Reuters