Danish teenager Caroline Wozniacki overcame a crippling

DOHA — Danish teenager Caroline Wozniacki overcame a crippling cramp to edge closer to the WTA Championships semi-finals on Thursday defeating Russia's late call-up Vera Zvonareva 6-0, 6-7 (3/7), 6-4.
Wozniacki ended the 2hr 48min match in floods of tears after collapsing to the court in agony, her body wracked by cramp, when she was just two points from victory.
But world number nine Zvonareva, the runner-up in 2008 and who was summoned to the 4.55 million dollar event after Dinara Safina withdrew on Wednesday, failed to take advantage, allowing the Dane to secure an emotional win.
Wozniacki, the US Open runner-up and playing in her first season-ender, had led by a set and 5-2 before wasting two match points in the 12th game of the second set.
"In the third set, I just knew I really had to go for it," said world number four Wozniacki.
"When it was 3-1 for me in the final set, I got cramp in my left leg. From there, it just got worse and worse. I have absolutely no idea how I pulled it through, but I'm very happy about it.
"I'm going to do everything I can to get ready for tomorrow (her last group match against Jelena Jankovic). I'll drink a lot of fluids, eat some good food, do stretching, get massage, take a salt bath."
The 25-year-old Zvonareva battled impressively, even overcoming a nasty courtside nosebleed in the second set.
She admitted she felt for Safina, who pulled out of the tournament with a back injury.
"I feel bad for Dinara because I know what it is to deal with an injuries. I hope she can recover fast," said Zvonareva
"But I was here. It is tough when you are an alternate because you never know what's going to happen. It happened so fast. So it's difficult to prepare yourself the best you can."
For the second consecutive evening, the 10-minute heat rule was invoked after the second set, allowing Wozniacki, who needed three hours to win her opener against Victoria Azarenka, and Zvonareva to recover from the heat and crushing humidity.
On their return, Wozniacki led 3-1, but was pinned back to 3-3 before needing treatment on her bandaged thigh.
But with the tie seemingly slipping away, she bravely broke to lead 5-4 before claiming victory when Zvonareva netted a forehand.
Later Thursday, Serena Williams, who made sure of claiming the year-end world number spot when Safina withdrew, faces Elena Dementieva.
A win for the Russian world number five would mean defending champion Venus Williams's outside hopes of making the last four will be dashed.
Venus completes her first round campaign later Thursday against French Open champion Svetlana Kuznetsova, who needs to win to stay alive in the competition.
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