Stefanie shocks No 5 Nina Bratchikova to enter semis

Mumbai, Mar 22 (UNI) Unseeded Stefanie Voegele from Switzerland marched into the semi-finals after upsetting No 5 Nina Bratchikova of Russia, in the University of Mumbai ITF Women's 25,000 dollar Tennis Tournament at the Kalina University Campus, here today.

Voegele made a surprise entry into the last four following a convincing 6-2, 6-3 win, to set up a clash with unseeded Natsumi Hamamura of Japan, who beat compatriot Remi Tezuka 6-2, 2-6, 7-6 (5) in the only singles match of the day that went into three sets.

Voegele capped a rewarding day after entering the doubles final with Olga Panova following a 7-6 (7-2), 6-3 win over the formidable pair of Sunitha Rao and Shiho Hisamatsu.

Second seed Yan-Chong Chen of China remained on course after fashioning a 6-1, 7-5 win over No 6 Olga Panova of Russia.

Following the shock defeat of No 1 Shiho Hisamatsu of Japan, Chen is now the favourite for the title as she prepares to meet fourth seed Akgul Amanmuradova of Uzbekistan who overcame No 8 seed Wan-Ting Liu of China 6-3, 6-2.

Results (Quarter-finals): Natsumi Hamamura (Jpn) bt Remi Tezuka (Jpn) 6-2, 2-6, 7-6 (5); Stefanie Voegele (Sui) bt 5-Nina Bratchikova (Rus) 6-2, 6-3; 4-Akgul Amanmuradova (Uzb) bt Wan-Ting Liu (Chn) 6-3, 6-2; 2-Yan-Chong Chen (Chn) bt 6-Olga Panova (Rus) 6-1, 7-5.

Doubles (Semi-finals): Stefanie Voegele/Olga Panova bt Sunitha Rao/Shiho Hisamatsu 7-6 (2), 6-3; Nina Bratchikova/Akgul Amanmuradova bt Nicole Clerico/Ksenia Palkina 6-4, 7-6 (5).

UNI