Zvonareva into first Wimbledon singles final

Experience had the final say as Russia's Vera Zvonareva thrust aside the brave challenge of Tsvetana Pironkova, a Bulgarian ranked 82 in the world, 3-6 6-3- 6-2 in one hour 46 minutes to reach the women's singles final.

Pirnokova, bidding to become the first unseeded woman ever to get to a Wimbledon final, gave the occasion her best shot, particularly in an impressive opening set, but when Zvonareva, who is the 21st seed but was ranked as high as fifth last year, upped her pace and commitment she simply had too much in the tank for Pironkova.

As ever, the Centre Court crowd were with the underdog and they reacted with delight as Pironkova uncorked her trademark backhand with power and precision. It was the brightest of starts, marred only briefly because of the need to replay a point in the third game when the air went out of a ball. "Broken ball" was the umpire Eva Asderaki's verdict, a rarity in the sport.

As well as she was performing, Pironkova needed a spot of good fortune to achieve the one break of serve which won her the first set, benefitting from a dead net cord. Things were looking ominous for Zvonareva, whose ranking plummeted because of ankle surgery last year, and a confident Pironkova high-stepped to the change of ends for the second set like a hurdler, clear indication that she was up for whatever lay in store.

But Zvonareva had belatedly decided to bring her "A" game to the match, which swung in her direction early in the second set. Her harder hitting did not permit the Bulgarian time to fashion her swing, and she was also left flat-footed by the Russian's increasing use of the short ball. All of this made for an excellent semi-final, despite the absence of marquee names.

When Pironkova, who had conceded only seven points on serve in the first set, finally offered her opponent a break point Zvonareva seized it, closing on the net to punch away a backhand winner. With a 4-2 lead, the Russian confidently held to take the set and level the match.

She also surged away at the start of the third with another service break and by the time Pironkova managed to apply the brakes Zvonareva had won six games out of seven and led 2-0 in the third set. It was a hurdle the fading Pironkova rarely looked like overcoming, despite the crowd's support.

The Russian, now playing like someone who was once fifth in the world and who will soon be back in the top 10, was simply too good all round for a brave youngster who will deservedly see her own ranking soar after this memorable fortnight.