Simona Halep saved a match point before defeating Canadian teen Bianca Andreescu 3-6, 7-6, 6-3 at the WTA Finals in Shenzhen.
Both players sought medical treatment during the match, with Halep getting her foot treated while Andreescu had a lower back problem.
Elsewhere, defending champion Elina Svitolina stretched her unbeaten run at the season-ending tournament with a 7-6, 6-4 win over Karolina Pliskova.
Halep and Svitolina are now 1-0 in the Purple Group, while Andreescu and Pliskova are 0-1.
Ruthless Man City thump Newcastle to reach League Cup final
Omar Marmoush scored twice as Manchester City set up a League Cup final date with Arsenal after a comprehensive 3-1 second-leg victory over visiting Newcastle United secured a 5-1 aggregate win in their semi-final on Wednesday.
Ethara named F1 promoter of the year
Ethara, the promoter of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, has been named Promoter of the Year at the annual F1 Promoter Awards in London.
Alexandra Eala stages comeback to reach Mubadala quarter-finals
Filipina teenager Alexandra Eala fought back from the brink of defeat to reach the quarter-finals of the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open after a marathon win over Aliaksandra Sasnovich.
F1 legend Mika Häkkinen turns brand ambassador for Only Legends Drive UAE
Two-time Formula One World Champion Mika Häkkinen will step in as the brand ambassador of the ultra-luxury four-day supercar rally - Only Legends Drive UAE, that kicks off on March 19.
Guardiola vows to speak up for victims of global conflicts
Pep Guardiola said he will continue to use his platform as Manchester City manager to speak up for victims of global conflicts and violence.
