MELBOURNE, Jan. 26 (Xinhua) -- The 2008 Australian Open winner Maria Sharapova advanced into the final of 2012 Aussie Open here on Thursday after defeating Czech Petra Kvitova.

Sharapova, who lost to Kvitova in last year's Wimbeldon final, beat Kvitova 6-2, 3-6, 6-4 to reach her first Australian Open final after the 2008 title. She was also a runner-up in 2007.

The Russian will meet third seed Victoria Azarenka in Saturday's final. Azarenka beat defending champion Kim Clijsters 6-4, 1-6, 6-3 in an earlier semifinal.