Tokyo, February 4

Martina Hingis defeated top-seeded Maria Sharapova 6-3, 6-1 on Saturday to advance to the final of the Pan Pacific Open with the most impressive victory of her comeback.

Hingis, who entered the tournament as a wild card, relied on solid groundstrokes and a strong serve on her way to a win over the defending champion that took just 1 hour and 6 minutes.

Hingis will play second-seeded Elena Dementieva of Russia in Sunday’s final. Dementieva beat compatriot Anastasia Myskina 6-4, 3-6, 6-4.