Pliskova overpowers defending champion Wozniacki in Singapore

Caroline Wozniacki beat Karolina Pliskova in the last four in Singapore last year, but it was a different story in their White Group opener.

World number eight Karolina Pliskova

Karolina Pliskova overpowered defending champion Caroline Wozniacki to seal a straight-sets victory on day one of the WTA Finals.

Wozniacki beat Pliskova in the semifinals last year, but the seventh seed gained a measure of revenge with an impressive 6-2 6-4 win in their first meeting since that showdown in Singapore.

Pliskova, seemingly unhindered despite playing with a taped right calf, saved all 10 break points she faced and unleashed a barrage of powerful groundstrokes to join Elina Svitolina at the top of the White Group.

Wozniacki arrived at the season-ending tournament on a high after returning to form to take the China Open title, but the second seed now faces a battle to reach the semifinals following a fourth loss in 10 meetings with Pliskova.