Two-time Grand Slam champion Kuznetsova became the first player to reach the last four of the season-ending tournament, overcoming US Open finalist Pliskova 3-6, 6-2, 7-6.

The success for the Russian, who made headlines earlier on in the competition for cutting her hair during her victory against defending champion Agnieszka Radwanska, ensured she sealed top spot in the white group.

Kuznetsova’s win had moved her to within touching distance of the semi-finals and her progression was then confirmed when Poland’s Radwanska beat French Open champion Garbine Muguruza of Spain in straight sets, 7-6, 6-3.

The 31-year-old only secured her spot at the WTA Finals - which features the top eight available female players in the world rankings - on Saturday (October 22) when she won the Kremlin Cup on home soil in Moscow.

"After my journey here, and all the support of the fans and my team, I couldn't let everybody down," Kuznetsova said.

"It's from my heart.

“I have not been at my best these past years, but something just changed this year.

"I enjoy my game, I enjoy the crowd, I'm playing against the best players in the world and I really appreciate and am blessed to be here today."

Pliskova, whose run to the US Open final earlier this year catapulted her into the limelight, will battle it out with Radwanska on Friday (October 28), with the winner clinching the other available semi-final berth from the white group.

The Czech player had chances to claim victory over Kuznetsova as both players had match point in a gruelling and nervy third set.

But she was not able to convert, allowing Kuznetsova, who is enjoying a resurgence in the twilight of her career, to wrap up a narrow win and guarantee a spot in the last four.

Germany’s Angelique Kerber, the world number one, has all-but secured her semi-final place from the red group and she will take on Madison Keys of the United States tomorrow.

Keys remains in contention for a last four place along with Simona Halep of Romania, who plays Slovakia’s Dominika Cibulkova.