DOHA, Qatar - Svetlana Kuznetsova avoided a blankout in the Maroon Group on Friday with a 63 62 win over Elena Dementieva on the last day of round robin play at the Sony Ericsson Championships - Doha 2009.
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Kuznetsova, the No.3 seed at the season finale, never lost her serve and broke Dementieva three times - once in the sixth game of the first set and twice in the second set, in the first and fifth games. Dementieva never even got to deuce on Kuznetsova's serve; Kuznetsova served up three aces in the last game of the match, one on match point. 
Highlights: Kuznetsova vs. Dementieva
"There was still a lot to lose today," Kuznetsova said. "Doesn't matter if I don't qualify. There are ranking points, prize money, everything... it's still a lot. When I go on court, I bring my name. I definitely don't want to lose, no matter what.
"I asked Venus before the match, 'Would you give me something if I win?' She was like, 'If you win, it's good for yourself!'"
Kuznetsova maintained her strong career edge over Dementieva, improving to 7-4 against her fellow Russian; that includes wins in five of their last six duels.
"I like playing Elena. I feel comfortable. I think I have an advantage when I play her," Kuznetsova added. Interview: Svetlana Kuznetsova
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By virtue of Kuznetsova's win, Venus Williams snags the second semifinal berth in the Maroon Group, joining Serena Williams in the final four. Earlier in the day, Jelena Jankovic got the first semifinal berth in the White Group; the last match of the day will determine the last semifinalist: if Victoria Azarenka beats Agnieszka Radwanska, Azarenka makes the semifinals; if Radwanska beats Azarenka, Caroline Wozniacki makes the semifinals.
