Safarova progresses in Quebec

Safarova progresses in Quebec

Lucie Safarova beat Melanie Oudin to move into the semi-finals of the WTA Tour Bell Challenge in Quebec.

Oudin, seeded fifth, raced into a 3-0 lead in the deciding set before her Czech opponent reeled off five straight games in a gruelling contest.

Oudin, of the United States, took the first set 6-4 before Safarova levelled with a dominant 6-2 second set.

Oudin appeared to be easing to victory but Safarova dug deep to triumph in two hours and 20 minutes.

There was little to choose between the two, Safarova, the world number 28, producing five aces as well as seven double faults.

Eighth seed Sofia Arvidsson crashed out as qualifier Tamira Paszek moved into the semi-finals in Canada.

The Austrian, who is ranked 103 places beneath her opponent at 151, was more consistent with her all-round game and capitalised on Arvidsson's lack of success on her second serve.

Paszek wrapped up a 6-3 6-4 victory in one hour 36 minutes.

Bethanie Mattek-Sands had a straight-sets victory over Rebecca Marino although the world number 71 did not have it her own way as she claimed a 6-4 7-6 (7/4) victory.

Mattek-Sands was more clinical on her own serve and won a close-fought game in one hour 37 minutes.

Eighteen-year-old Christina McHale eased into the last four with a 6-3 6-1 win over Alexa Glatch.

McHale produced five aces and dominated throughout.