Sharapova, Jankovic reach Tokyo finals

TOKYO, Oct. 2 (UPI) -- Maria Sharapova needed a third set Friday but advanced to the finals of the $2 million Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo where she meets Jelena Jankovic for the title.

Sharapova used a 6-3, 2-6, 6-4 semifinal victory over 11th-seeded Agnieszka Radwanska to reach her second finals since returning to completion following a nine-month layoff due to shoulder surgery.

The comeback has been marked by inconsistent serving and, while Sharapova served better in the early rounds in Tokyo, that was again a problem Friday. Sharapova had six double faults and eight service breaks in the match. She dropped her first serve in the third set and was down 0-2 before fighting back for the win.

Jankovic, the No. 7 seed, took out 15th-seeded Li Na 6-4, 6-3, winning half the points on Li's serve. Jankovic was the more aggressive player in the semifinal, which may had led to the 40 errors committed by Li.

Sharapova, going for her 20th career WTA title, owns a 4-1 advantage in head-to-head matches with Jankovic. Jankovic is seeking her third tournament championship of 2009 and has 11 finals wins in her career.

The winner of Saturday's title match will take home $350,000.