BRISBANE (Reuters) -Aryna Sabalenka powered into the Brisbane International final with a 6-3 6-2 victory over teenager Mirra Andreeva on Saturday, taking a step closer to a first trophy of the year before her Australian Open title defence begins later this month.

Aryna Sabalenka saw off Mirra Andreeva with just five lost games 6-3 6-2 to reach the Brisbane International final but it wasn't as easy for the Belarusian as the scoreline might suggest. For the majority of the first set, it was the 17-year-old who was applying pressure.

World number one Aryna Sabalenka reached the Brisbane International semi-finals by defeating Marie Bouzkova 6-3 6-4.

It was remarked that Aryna Sabalenka had not reached her best at the Brisbane International and that Mirra Andreeva was the true test but it was one that she passed with flying colours as she saw off the 17-year-old to reach the final 6-3,

World number one Aryna Sabalenka's opposition in the Brisbane International final comes in the shape of Russian qualifier Polina Kudermetova, who is ranked 106th

Aryna Sabalenka (No. 1 ranking) will face Mirra Andreeva (No. 16) in the semifinals at the Brisbane International presented by Evie on Saturday, January 4.Sabalenka’s last match was a win,

Aryna Sabalenka powered into the Brisbane International final with a 6-3, 6-2 victory over teenager Mirra Andreeva on Saturday, taking a step closer to a first trophy of the year before her Australian Open title defense begins later this month.

Top-seeded Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus will meet No. 8 seed Mirra Andreeva of Russia in the semifinals Saturday at the Brisbane International in Australia.

World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka withstood Mirra Andreeva's stern challenge to book a Brisbane International final berth against qualifier Polina Kudermetova.