UPDATE 2-Tennis-Azarenka pips Kuznetsova to reach Miami final

* Azarenka wins tight contest with Kuznetsova

* Reaches first top tier final

* Will face Serena or Venus Williams

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By Simon Evans

MIAMI, April 2 (Reuters) - An emotional Victoria Azarenka of Belarus defeated Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-3 2-6 7-5 on Thursday to reach the final of the Sony Ericsson Open, her first top tier final.

The 19-year-old Azarenka will meet the winner of the other semi between Serena Williams and her sister Venus being played later Thursday.

Azarenka, tipped for success after winning the junior titles in the Australian and U.S Open in 2005, has won in Brisbane and Memphis this year and reached the semi-final at Indian Wells.