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.
Manchester United sack Carrick, talks ongoing for Pochettino
Manchester United have dismissed manager Michael Carrick after a prolonged winless run in the Premier League culminated in a 4-4 draw at home to Aston Villa over the weekend, leaving the club mired in the relegation zone.
Ferdinand admits doubts over Pochettino's impact on Manchester United
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand admits he has doubts over whether Mauricio Pochettino has what it takes to turn things around at Old Trafford.
Mbappe out for France's Nations League fixture
Kylian Mbappe will not feature in France's Nations League match against Italy on Thursday as he is not fully fit, coach Zinedine Zidane told reporters on Wednesday.
Andreeva reaches WTA Finals semis, Svitolina fights back to beat Muchova
World number three Mirra Andreeva booked her place in the semi-finals of the WTA Finals with a 6-4 6-0 win over Aryna Sabalenka on Wednesday, while Elina Svitolina battled back to beat Karolina Muchova and keep her hopes alive.
Victory Team's Ahmad Al Fahim takes on Dubai T100 for third year running
Victory Team powerboat driver Ahmad Al Fahim will line up for his third Dubai T100 Triathlon on November 15, taking on the full 100km for the second year running.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has issued a law defining Dubai Municipality's mandate to build a future-ready city.
Beaches in Sharjah have reopened to the public, with authorities confirming that an offshore oil spill involving a tanker in October has been contained.
UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has met with the US delegation that mediated the talks between Ukraine and Russia in Abu Dhabi this week.
