BRISBANE (Reuters) -Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka geared up for her title defence at the year's opening Grand Slam with a battling 4-6 6-3 6-2 win over Russian qualifier Polina Kudermetova in the final of the Brisbane International on Sunday.

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,

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.

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.

World number one Aryna Sabalenka through to the Brisbane International semi-finals after defeating Marie Bouzkova 6-3 6-4.

Top-seeded Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus and Polina Kudermetova of Russia each recorded a straight-set win on Saturday to advance to the finals of 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.