Davenport takes aim at third comeback title

The 31-year-old mother of one schooled 17-year-old Austrian Tamira Paszek 6-4, 6-3 at the ASB Classic to set up a Saturday title shot against Aravane Rezai.

 The French youngster beat New Zealand surprise hope Marina Erakovic 6-3, 7-5 in their semi-final.

 Erakovic, who knocked out fellow Kiwi Ellen Barry, American Ashley Harkleroad and top-seeded Russian Vera Zvonareva, was welcomed by a packed stadium of supporters, but the form that had carried her throughout the week was missing.

 Davenport stands an impressive 17-1 after playing selectively in four events since her return to tennis. She won Bali and Quebec and lost in the semi-finals in Beijing, all last autumn.

 Her early 2008 plans include finishing the job in New Zealand and playing in the Australian Open after last appearing there in 2006.

 Paszek, now in the top 50, is viewed as a player on the rise. "She's a great young player," said Davenport, who travels with her 6-month-old son, Jagger. "It was fun to play her."

   "I still want to do a few things a little better," the Californian added.