Harkleroad storms into semis

ASB Classic, Auckland

Latest results

American teenager Ashley Harkleroad stormed into the last four with two superb wins on Thursday.

After rain interrupted play the previous day, the 18-year-old was forced to play twice in succession.

She first took on second seed Anna Smashnova-Pistolesi of Israel, and came through 7-6 (7-5) 6-2.

Harkleroad then beat eighth seed Anca Barna of Germany 7-5 6-3 to reach the semi-finals.

"It was tough," said Harkleroad. "My legs are tired. It's been a long day but I've had two great wins.

"I'm glad to get through and now I just want to take a rest and come back fresh tomorrow."

Top seed Paola Suarez saw off Kristina Brandi to reach the last four while French player Marion Bartoli overcame Shenay Perry 6-2 6-3.

Also into the semi-finals is third seed Eleni Daniilidou, who beat Emmanuelle Gagliardi 7-6 (7-3) 6-2, and then Meilen Tu of the United States 7-5 6-2.

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Uncle Toby's Hardcourts, Gold Coast

Australian wildcard Samantha Stosur reached the semi-finals with victory over seventh seed Magui Serna.

Stosur, who knocked out fourth seed Meghann Shaughnessy earlier in the week, beat the Spaniard 7-6 (7/1) 7-5.

She will meet seed Ai Sugiyama of Japan, who defeated Bulgarian Magdalena Maleeva 4-6 7-6 (7-4). 6-3

Also into the last four is second seed Nadia Petrova who beat fellow Russian Dinara Safina 6-1 6-4.

But their compatriot Svetlana Kuznetsova went down 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 to French player Nathalie Dechy.