[AwonderfulKiwi]

An ace from Stefani finishes off that game in style, but Shibahara will be serving for the title.

 

[Mazda]

These young player...

 

[Elheather]

Woohoo AoShiba wins! 4th title together and 3rd Premier/WTA500 title!

 

[StephenUK]

Befuddled Rakhimova falls 0-4 behind. She seems to have no clue how to turn this around.

 

[Mazda]

Looks like a good day for the Japan... as Mayo Hibi plays a fantastic match !
she will qualify for AO soon

 

[Mazda]

Kamila coming a bit to the net... and it's better, even if you miss few one girl !

 

[AwonderfulKiwi]

Two huge unreturnable serves finish it off, and the first doubles title of 2021 goes to Japan. Congratulations to Aoyama and Shibahara - they were better enough to take the opportunities they needed, but Carter and Stefani played superbly as well. That was exemplified by each team winning 68 points.

One quirk of how this event finished - three of the four players move to new career highs (Aoyama 18, Shibahara 20 and Stefani 30). Carter is now at 34 (CHR 31).

This time all four players realise that the flowers are in the shape of the UAE flag, and hold the trophies accordingly for the photos.

Stats are:

 

[StephenUK]

Rakhimova has clawed back from 0-4 to 3-4 but Hibi still has a break in hand. Is it too little, too late???

 

[Mazda]

Kamila giving a bit sign of life... making 3 games in a row
but that's really from hell, need to hit big and touch line

 

[opionic]

when will the LLs be announced?

 

[StephenUK]

Dr Buzz breaks Osuigwe and will serve for the match 6-2 5-2. She is looking good and happier than yesterday for sure.

 

[Mazda]

At least Kamila showed some better intention... but still cheap error on the net

and missed a volley
to seal the L

 

[Mazda]

Well done Mayo, really an impressive match !

Gerlach and Rakhimova are two different style of player... but she turned off them like a boss

 

[StephenUK]

Osuigwe survives as Dr Buzz makes a hash of serving for the match

 

[martin_91]

Buzz choking

 

[StephenUK]

Hibi won her serve to love to seal the deal. Rakhimova has the chance of a LL spot, according to my calculations.

 

[StephenUK]

Buzz racket flung down and not surprising 5-2 to 5-5 serving for the match twice and failing is not good.

 

[Mazda]

Hibi won her serve to love to seal the deal. Rakhimova has the chance of a LL spot, according to my calculations.

and she could be a dangerous one... obviously if she avoid a slice player

 

[StephenUK]

Osuigwe now leads 6-5. There always has to be a drama match in the last round of GS qualies when someone loses from a winning position and this could be it.

 

[Jorn]

Go Whitney!