Tennis: Kournikova crashes out

Anna Kournikova’s dream of a first WTA tournament victory ended when she was knocked out in the semi-finals of the ASB Bank Classic in Auckland.

Israel’s Anna Smashnova won in straight sets, 6-1 6-4, as the Russian failed to cope with her baseline game.

But Kournikova said: ‘‘I had a great build-up and three good wins and it helps me get ready for the Australian Open.’’

Smashnova will face Russia’s Tatiana Panova in tomorrow’s final after she beat Silvija Talaja of Croatia 6-3 6-2 in the other semi-final.