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Konta into semifinals at WTA Shenzhen Open after tough win over Pliskova

Xinhua, January 5, 2017 Adjust font size:

Britain's Johanna Konta claimed a tough victory against Kristyna Pliskova of the Czech Republic 6-4, 6-7 (11), 6-3 in the first quarterfinal match of the WTA Shenzhen Open here on Thursday.

The third seed encountered a big challenge from Pliskova in the second set, as the Czech fired seven of her match-total 15 aces to level the match after a breath-taking 13-11 win in the tie-break.

"I think it's a well-known fact that she has the best service on tour. So I knew going to the match that I was gonna have very tough challenge on her service game. So I really just try to neutralize her service as much as possible and just try to get myself into those games, work very hard and try to get some chances," Konta said after the match.

The world number 10 lost her two previous matches against Pliskova, but the Briton was determined not to let it happen again as she bounced back in the third set to seal the match with a 6-3 win.

In doubles action, Raluca Olaru of Romania and Olga Savchuk of Ukraine easily got a ticket to the final as their rivals, top-seeded Raquel Atawo of the United States and Xu Yifan of China skipped the semifinal due an abdominal strain on the part of Xu.

"This tournament is over for me, as I have been struggling with an abdominal strain since the first day I came here," said Xu. "I will see how it is going for several days and then set off for Sydney." Endit