Simona Halep saved a match point before defeating Canadian teen Bianca Andreescu 3-6, 7-6, 6-3 at the WTA Finals in Shenzhen.
Both players sought medical treatment during the match, with Halep getting her foot treated while Andreescu had a lower back problem.
Elsewhere, defending champion Elina Svitolina stretched her unbeaten run at the season-ending tournament with a 7-6, 6-4 win over Karolina Pliskova.
Halep and Svitolina are now 1-0 in the Purple Group, while Andreescu and Pliskova are 0-1.
Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships reveals major expansion plan
The 2026 Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships will usher in the start of a new era for one of the Middle East’s most iconic sporting events with plans revealed for an extensive two-phase redevelopment that will transform the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium and surrounding Aviation Club Tennis Complex.
Sri Lanka crush Oman for second victory in T20 World Cup
Sri Lanka batsmen Kusal Mendis, Pavan Rathnayake and Dasun Shanaka cracked half-centuries as the 2014 champions continued to build momentum in the Twenty20 World Cup with a 105-run win over Oman in Pallekele on Thursday.
Philippine's rising star Alexandra Eala to debut at Dubai Tennis Open
Alexandra Eala, one of the fastest-rising talents on the WTA Tour, will debut at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships next week, organisers have confirmed.
Messi suffers muscle strain, Miami reschedule preseason finale
Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi did not participate in training on Wednesday due to a muscle strain in his left hamstring, with his injury leading to the postponement of what was supposed to be the reigning MLS Cup champions' preseason finale.
Man City and Villa close gap on Arsenal, Liverpool edge Sunderland
Manchester City have halved Arsenal's lead at the top of the Premier League to three points with a 3-0 win overvisitors Fulham, while Aston Villa stayed in the frame with a late 1-0 victory at home to Brighton & Hove Albion on Wednesday.
The UAE has dispatched a new aid ship to the Gaza Strip as part of its ongoing humanitarian efforts to support the Palestinian people, coinciding with the start of the holy month of Ramadan.
The UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has confirmed that private sector employees will have their working days reduced by two hours during the holy month of Ramadan.
The National Identity Committee has been established under a decision issued by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.
