World Sport News

Angelique Kerber still has a chance to reach the semi-finals at the WTA Elite Trophy in Zhuhai despite her opening defeat, as her opponents helped. Julia Görges could even afford a defeat for an ascent.

Kerber lost their first match in China 3-6,6-3,2-6 against the Russian Anastasia Pavlyushenkova. But since the Australian Ashleigh Barty was clearly outnumbered in two sets on Wednesday, Kerber can make it to the semi-finals on Thursday in a direct duel with Barty.

To do this, Kerber has to finish first in the group Rose, but she would have to win in two sets. Only the respective group winners of the four groups of three will be included in the final round.

Kerbers Porsche team Germany colleague Julia Görges had won her opening match on Tuesday against Magdalena Rybarikova from Slovakia 6-1,7-6 (5) and therefore in her second group match against Kristina Mladenovic she only needs a set win to reach the semi-finals. However, Görges is only back in action on Friday.