In the first set, Li raced into a 3-0 lead and broke three times as Sharapova, who took two games off the Chinese player's serve, struggled for rhythm in the wind.

"This is something important for Chinese tennis. They will be broadcasting the match live on television," li said after the semifinal victory against Maria Sharapova of Russia.

Sharapova a had broken a tournament record in conceding just nine games in reaching the last four but she was overwhelmed by Li whose heavy-hitting, high-risk game reaped maximum reward.