Davies upsets form book

Elena Baltacha was stunned by her unexpected exit

Victoria Davies upset all the odds in the British National Championships by beating the fancied Elena Baltacha on Thursday.

The British No 19 from Bridgend won through to the semi-finals by knocking out rising star Baltacha 6-2 7-6 in Bolton, providing the shock of the women's draw so far.

Baltacha's normally accurate power game was off cue and after fighting back in the second set she squandered two set points, the second with a double fault.

Davies said: "She started hitting more freely and I was tightening up but I managed to scrape through it towards the end.

"I have beaten players ranked higher than Elena but this is one of the nicest and most satisfying wins.

Underdog

"On ranking I'm not expected to beat her - she was third seed here and I was the underdog.

"I didn't really have any expectations so that helps in a way and you play better.

"I'm very pleased to get to the semi-finals, I've only ever reached the second round before."

Davies' win prevents the much-anticipated clash between Baltacha and her 18-year-old fellow prospect Anne Keothavong, who beat Devon's Lucie Ahl 7-6 6-3.

Two-time National winner and current British No 1 Julie Pullin had to come from a set down to beat Annabel Blow and set up her last four meeting with 1999 champion Hannah Collin, who beat Anna Hawkins 6-3 6-2.