China's Li Na [ Images ] continued her giant-killing run at the Australian Hardcourt Championships on Friday, beating fourth seed Patty Schnyder [ Images ] 3-6, 6-3, 7-5 to reach the final.

Schnyder had beaten former world number one Amelie Mauresmo [ Images ] in the previous round, but she was worn down as Li reached her first final in 20 months, where she will play Victoria Azarenka [ Images ] of Belarus.

World number 29 Li had beaten top seed Nicole Vaidisova [ Images ] on her way to the last four but looked in trouble when she dropped the first set to Schnyder.

But the Chinese, who missed the second half of 2007 because of a stress fracture to her rib, hit back to level.

The third set contained nine breaks of serve but Li broke for 6-5 and then held her nerve to clinch victory after one hour, 48 minutes.

"I feel stronger mentally," Li said. "A new Li Na has come back. I feel fresh."

The 18-year-old Azarenka, ranked 30, upset fifth seed Shahar Peer 6-4, 6-2 to reach her third WTA Tour final.

Peer had saved five match points in beating defending champion Dinara Safina [ Images ] to get to the semi-finals.

But the effort in getting past the Russian took its toll on the Israeli and Azarenka took full advantage to win through in 68 minutes.