Keeping her title hopes alive, Russian prodigy Alina Korneeva delivered another stunning performance on Friday in the quarterfinals of the WIPHOLD International, a $60 000 ITF tournament being played in Pretoria.
Producing a spectacular effort, the 15-year-old prospect defeated Turkish opponent and No 5 seed Ipek Oz 6-1, 6-3.
"Before the tournament I thought I could do it, so it's not a surprise," Korneeva said.
"I'm happy with this result but I want more. I want to be in the final and I think I can win the tournament."
Meanwhile, top seed Georgiana Serban of Cyprus was made to work hard in a 7-6(5), 3-6, 6-4 victory over Swiss player Lulu Sun, but while she lost the second set she managed to grab a crucial win.
"The match was so tough. We played for three hours, and we had amazing rallies," Georgiana said.
"She's an amazing player and she never gave up, so I had to keep going and push myself, and go through some moments that were not the best, but I'm glad I did and I'm glad I won."
Hungarian player Timea Babos also had to dig deep to beat American fourth seed Sachia Vickery, earning a 6-2, 3-6, 6-1 victory, while Emina Bektas of the United States secured a 7-6(2), 6-3 win over French qualifier Manon Leonard to stay in the hunt for the trophy.
In the doubles division, Belgian player Sofia Costoulas and Dalila Spiteri of Italy ousted No 2 seeds Babos (who was set to face Korneeva in the singles semifinals) and Georgina Garcia-Perez of Spain 6-3, 6-4 in the semifinals.
They set up a trophy battle against Mai Hontama of Japan and Alice Tubello of France who beat Korneeva and Sandra Samir of Egypt 6-3, 3-6, 10-6 in the penultimate round.
The Saturday semifinal action will be broadcast live on SABC Sport (SABC Sport DTT Channel 4, Openview 124 and SABC+) from 10am.
QUARTERFINAL RESULTS
Singles
Babos Timea (HUN) bt [4] Sachia Vickery (USA) 6-2, 3-6, 6-1
[1] Raluca Georgiana Serban (CYP) bt Lulu Sun (SUI) 7-6(5), 3-6, 6-4
[Q] Alina Korneeva (RUS) bt [5] Oz Ipek (TUR) 6-1, 6-3
Emina Bektas (USA) bt [Q] Manon Leonard (FRA) 7-6(2), 6-3
SEMIFINAL RESULTS
Doubles
Sofia Costoulas (BEL) and Dalila Spiteri (ITA) bt [2] Timea Babos (HUN) and Georgina Garcia-Perez (ESP) 6-3, 3-6, 10-6
Mai Hontama (JPN) and Alice Tubello (FRA) bt Alina Korneeva (RUS) and Sandra Samir (EGY) 6-3, 6-4