The world No. 21-ranked Li, who toppled Japanese veteran Ai Sugiyama, now ranked 26th, to become the top Asian player in 2006, did not sweat to overcome Indonesia's Sandy Gumulya 6-1, 6-3 in the second round of the December 4-14 tournament.

"I played my best tennis, because I did not know much about my opponent. I've never played against her before," said Li, who had a bye in the opening round.

"Although I did not have to play as hard as I can, I didn't want to drop my guard, especially after what happened in the team event where I lost my first match.

"I cried all day after that."

The Chinese women's players, who came into Doha as the hottest favorites, were upset by Uzbekistan in their opening match of the team event on December 5, with Li losing to currently 132nd-ranked Iroda Tulyaganova in the second singles tie.

"I hope it will be an all-Chinese final (in women's singles)," she said. "After my loss in the team event, everyone was telling me to relax. My mother sent me a text message in the morning to tell me to be confident. I said I am Okey."