Tennis: Li Na sets up Sony Open showdown with Serena Williams

(Updated 2:42pm) MIAMI - Li Na swept past a familiar foe at the Sony Open on Thursday, setting up an exciting showdown for the Miami hard court crown against Serena Williams.

Second-ranked Li won a rematch of her Australian Open final, beating Dominika Cibulkova 7-5 2-6 6-3 to maintain her perfect record against the Slovakian.

Over a decade-long span, the Chinese veteran has swept all seven of her meetings with Cibulkova.

Three of those wins have come this year, with Asia's first grand slam singles champion defeating the Slovakian in straight sets at Melbourne Park, in three sets at Indian Wells two weeks ago and now at Miami.

"Good challenge. The last time I played her [Williams] was in the [WTA Tour] Championships so it has been four months and this time we really can see how I have improved," Li told reporters as she looked ahead to the final.

"I am really happy I can play her again. Everyone will be confident if they come to the final. I think for sure it will be a tough match."

The 10th seeded Cibulkova had looked ready to deny tennis fans a marquee final between the best two players in the world when she stormed back to take the second set and opened the third with a break to forge a 3-1 lead.

However, Li kept her composure and swept the next five games to cap an enthralling fightback and her spot in the final. - Reuters