BEIJING, Sept. 24 (UPI) -- Maria Sharapova retired with an injury Saturday from her semifinal match at the China Open in Beijing, allowing Maria Kirilenko to reach her first WTA final.
Kirilenko was ahead 6-4, 2-1, when Sharapova, the top seed, called it quits because of a strained right pectoral muscle.
It was the latest in a long line of injuries at this tournament.
Earlier in the week, Lindsay Davenport pulled out because of a strained back she sustained while winning in Bali last week. Venus Williams withdrew before her quarterfinal match on Friday because of a left knee injury. Her sister, Serena, the defending champion, also cited a knee problem when she dropped out on Wednesday.
Kirilenko will play No. 9 Anna-Lena Groenefeld in the title match on Sunday.
Groenefeld beat Marta Domachowska, 7-5, 6-3. She had reached the semis in a walkover after Venus Williams withdrew.
