(Beijing, December 16) China's Wang Hao maintained his unbeaten record against Wang Liqin this year after he won 11-9, 11-7, 5-11, 11-5 and 11-7 in the men's singles semifinal of the "Good Luck Beijing" 2007 Volkswagen Pro Tour Grand Finals at the Peking University Gymnasium this evening. Wang Hao will face compatriot Ma Lin in the final.

Prior to the semi today, Wang Hao had eliminated Korean Ryu Seung Min 4-1 and saw off Vladimir Samsonov of Belarus, the last foreigner in the men's singles heats, 4-1 while Wang Liqin had ousted Chinese Hao Shuai and Chen Qi respectively.

Among the 16 encounters between the two at major international tournaments, Wang Liqin kept ahead 10-6, but it was Wang Hao who had won the latest five, including all the four meetings this year.

In the first set, Wang Liqin could hardly find his form, trailing 7-3. Wang Hao's short fall helped to narrow the gap to 8-7 and the latter used several cross drives to win 11-9.

Wang Liqin began to refine his first three strokes, leading 4-1 early in the second set. The two evened at 6 all and Wang Hao scored 4 in a row with quick drives before he finished 11-7.

Wang Liqin, currently ranking world No. 3, launched a series of counterattacks to the world No. 1, gaining a 5-1 advantage into the third. Wang Hao eased up and soon lost 11-5.

In the fourth, Wang Liqin played conservatively which led to a 5-1 deficit. Wang Hao regained his edge to win 11-5.

The last set saw Wang Hao exploiting his tactical and mental advantages to lead 7-2. Although Wang Liqin made to 10-7, it was too late to rally when he returned off the table, losing 11-7.