Petrova powers into Paris quarter-finals

PARIS, Feb 8 (Reuters) Russian Nadia Petrova made light work of Germany's Martina Muller to reach the quarter-finals of the Paris Open with a merciless 6-1 6-2 victory today.

Fourth seed Petrova, who will play compatriot Dinara Safina for a place in the last four, wrapped up a straightforward win in 51 minutes.

The world number seven, who beat Safina in their two previous meetings, built her success on a highly reliable serve and broke her opponent four times.

Earlier today, Russian Anna Chakvetadze recovered from a shaky start to reach the last eight with a 4-6 6-4 6-4 victory over Spaniard Anabel Medina.

Eighth seed Chakvetadze will next play either holder Amelie Mauresmo or Nathalie Dechy, who meet in an all-French second round clash later today.

Medina converted one of her two break points to edge the first set but Chakvetadze's efficient groundstrokes eventually saw the Russian through after two hours and nine minutes.

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