Qiang Wang reaches WTA Elite Trophy final after Madison Keys withdraws

China’s Qiang Wang made the most of Madison Keys’ injury to reach the final of the WTA Elite Trophy with an emphatic straight-sets win over Garbine Muguruza.

Wang, who was initially eliminated from the tournament in her homeland on Friday, was given a second opportunity after American Keys was forced to withdraw with a knee injury.

The 26-year-old seized her chance and powered past Spaniard Muguruza in Zhuhai, winning 6-2 6-0 in an hour and 11 minutes to become the first Chinese player to reach the final of the competition.

Injured Keys said in a statement posted on wtatennis.com: “I am very sorry to have to withdraw from the tournament. Zhuhai is such a wonderful city and I love playing in front of the fans here, so this was a very difficult decision.”

Australian Ashleigh Barty awaits Wang in Sunday’s final after she came from a set down to knock out defending champion Julia Goerges.

World number 19 Barty won 4-6 6-3 6-2 to claim her first career victory over the German.