Kim Clijsters and Svetlana Kuznetsova were the first players through to the Hastings Direct International semi-finals in Eastbourne on Thursday.
Defending champion Kuznetsova battled through two rain delays on her way to a 6-4 7-5 defeat of Nathalie Dechy.
She plays Clijsters after the Belgian beat Mashona Washington 6-2 6-2.
Vera Douchevina progressed when Marion Bartoli retired and faces Roberta Vinci after she beat Russian Anastasia Myskina 6-4 7-6 (7-3).
Russia's Douchevina was leading 5-0 when Frenchwoman Bartoli pulled out.
Clijsters was delighted to finish off her match quickly with the weather a constant threat.
"Short points under grey skies were perfect," said the Belgian.
"The only worry I had was the rain coming back to wipe us out. I'm facing by far my toughest match here tomorrow."
Kuznetsova was downbeat after her victory but blamed the conditions.
"It was much better than yesterday but not that good," said the Russian.
"I started well and just gave it all I had, but you are not going to be perfect in these conditions."
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MMIX
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