Svitolina, Pliskova storm into WTA Finals semis

A gutsy Elina Svitolina willed herself to the semi-finals after overcoming Caroline Wozniacki in a gruelling three-set match, knocking the defending champion out of the WTA Finals in Singapore.

The unbeaten Ukrainian outlasted Wozniacki 5-7, 7-5, 6-3 in two hours and 35 minutes to finish top of White Group.

Karolina Pliskova also qualified after the Czech defeated compatriot Petra Kvitova in straight sets earlier in the night.

Having won her opening two matches, Svitolina needed just one set to clinch her semi-finals spot, while Wozniacki required a straight sets victory.

After the Australian Open champion claimed the much-needed first set, it all came down to a pulsating 12th game of the second.

Svitolina wasted four set points but an errant forehand from Wozniacki on her fifth triggered elation from the Ukrainian.

"We were both under pressure," Svitolina told reporters after the match.

"I had to fight for every ball, and I think today I was really pushed mentally."
"I gave it my all out there. She just played better than me today."
"I was really feeling well physically and mentally," she said. "I still had a lot of positive thoughts in the match to fight and turn it around but it didn't happen."