Venus halts Czech

ACAPULCO, Mexico – Top-seeded Venus Williams beat Barbora Zahlavova Strycova of the Czech Republic, 6-0, 6-3, Friday to reach the Mexican Open final.

Williams, who won her 40th career singles title in Dubai last week, will face defending champion Flavia Pennetta for the title.

Italian Pennetta reached her sixth consecutive final at the Mexican Open with a 6-3, 6-3 victory over 2004 champion Iveta Benesova. (AP)