Sania Mirza's forehand was a potent weapon in her victory.

India and Chinese Taipei will contest the women's team tennis final after winning their respective semifinals at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash complex on Wednesday. Third seeds Chinese Taipei caused a slight surprise in defeating the second seeded Japanese team 2-0. They were then followed into the final by no 4 seeds India who beat the unseeded Uzbekistan 2-0.

A packed pro-Indian centre court crowd lapped up India's victory, which was eventually clinched by national heroine Sania Mirza. They were treated to an epic opening singles rubber which saw Shikha Uberoi beat 2005 Asian Championships singles gold medallist Akgul Amanmuradova in three sets, 7-6, 4-6, 6-3.

As if the crowd were not excited enough, Mirza then arrived on court to a rapturous reception, where she faced the big serving 2002 Asian Games singles gold medallist Iroda Tulyaganova. After a tight first set which Mirza took 6-3, she then wrapped up victory 6-0 in the second set.

Afterwards, Mirza said: "I'm glad the game was over quick. She's a great player and I have to respect her. I knew I had to take advantage of her faults, and I couldn't afford to relax. If I dropped my level, even a little, she would not have allowed me to come back."

"When I won the first set I knew I had it. I'm playing the best tennis of my life at the moment, it all had to click at some stage. I wasn't overwhelmed by her just because she's a former world No 16, and also because we are good friends, and we've played before."

Whilst Tulyaganova commented: "I couldn't play well, because Sania was too good. She didn't let me come back, she concentrated a lot, and I was a little tired. It wasn't my day. The crowd was exciting and I appreciate them, and I wish Sania good luck. It was a great day for India with a perfect crowd. I've played a lot in India and they have always liked me, so for me it was good."

Chinese Taipei also enjoyed good support on court 7 as they guaranteed an improvement on bronze from four years ago by beating Japan to reach the final. Hsieh Su Wei mounted a fine comeback to beat Akiko Morigami in three sets, 3-6, 6-3, 6-0.

Chan Yung Jan also emerged victorious from an another tough encounter to ensure Chinese Taipei's progress. She beat Aiko Nakamura 6-4, 7-5. Afterwards, Chan said: "I was able to control the rhythm of the game and I was able to control the ball, and that helped me win the match.

Looking ahead to the final and the possibility of playing in front of a rowdy Indian crowd, she said: "I'll love it, because when I play badly they yell, but when I play well, they'll be quiet. So if I want them to be quiet, I just have to play well.

Meanwhile, Nakamura said: "Chan played really good. I felt she was good when we warmed up. My performance was not bad. I tried to catch her, but I couldn't. When I am leading, I play defensively, and I regret that. I know we can't win every time, because it depends on the condition of my body, and things like the surface of the court."

On winning the bronze medal, she said: "I am not satisfied, we had a chance to win the gold because China were beaten in the last round. Today our team did our best, but our opponents were much better than us. I was playing for my team and I feel really sorry, because I really wanted to win."

The women's team final will take place at 12:00 at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex on Thursday 7 December.

(Credit: Doha 2006. Click here for further information.)