Lesser gods chase fame in Kremlin final

MOSCOW – Janko Tipsarevic will play Mikhail Youzhny and Francesca Schiavone will meet Olga Govortsova in the final of the Kremlin Cup after all four players posted straight-set victories Saturday.

Tipsarevic of Serbia advanced to his first final by beating Ukrainian qualifier Illya Marchenko, 6-1, 6-4, while Youzhny of Russia beat Kazakh qualifier Mikhail Kukushkin, 6-2, 6-1.

Schiavone of Italy defeated Alona Bondarenko of Ukraine, 6-4, 6-0, to reach her second straight final in as many weeks. Govortsova of Belarus ousted Alisa Kleybanova of Russia, 6-2, 6-1, to reach her second career final.

Tipsarevich broke decisively in the seventh game of the second set.

“I tried to change the rhythm and tempo in the match,” Tipsarevich said. “I got a huge boost and confidence in my game once I made the first break.

“I have no experience of playing in the final – this is my first one. So, I will play it point by point, like any other match.” (AP)