Top seed Caroline Wozniacki has overcome staunch and prolonged resistance from Czech Barbora Zahlavova Strycova to book her place in the ASB Classic final in Auckland.

The world No.8 Dane needed two hours and 35 minutes to subdue the fourth seed 4-6 6-3 6-4 in a contest that featured plenty of high-class tennis.

It was the first time Wozniacki had dropped a set this week.

In the title decider on Saturday, she will face an American opponent – either third seed Venus Williams or the unseeded Lauren Davis.

Zahlavova Strycova, the world No.26, was able to withstand intense pressure to take the opening set on Friday.

She claimed an early break after producing a couple of excellent drop shots, including one from behind the baseline.

But at 3-2 up, her serve came under heavy examination in a marathon sixth game.

She found herself 15-40 behind but went on to save a total of eight break points, and serve four aces, before holding, letting out a huge scream in the process.

She was again forced to dig deep in her next service game, down 0-40 but once again managing to find a way out.

In all, she saved a remarkable 13 of 13 break points during the opening set.

Her momentum continued early into the second set when she broke Wozniacki in game one, but the Dane levelled immediately, finally converting her 15th break point opportunity of the match.

The pair were engaged in some lengthy rallies but it was Wozniacki who pulled ahead to take the second set.

Zahlavova Strycova refused to go away, although Wozniacki was able to take advantage of her one break-point chance in the deciding set to edge ahead.

Even then, she had to save two break points in the final game before securing victory.