Johanna Konta upsets Zhang Shuai, to reach China Open semis
Saturday 8 October 2016 11:09, UK
British No 1 Johanna Konta advanced to the China Open semi-finals after fighting back from 4-0 down in the first set to clinch victory over home favourite Zhang Shuai.
Konta, the world No 14, bounced back emphatically from her slow start, winning the next 12 games for a 6-4 6-0 triumph.
The 25-year-old, the 11th seed, is aiming to force her way into contention for the WTA Finals in Singapore later this month. She certainly looked to be on a mission against Zhang, ranked No 36 in the world.
Play was briefly held up on set point in the first as a spectator returned to his seat, and there subsequently appeared to be concern over the pressure of the balls being used.
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But there was little stopping Konta, who will now meet Madison Keys in the semi-finals.
Keys, the No 8 seed, earlier beat No 14 seed Petra Kvitova 6-3 6-7 (2-7) 7-6 (7-5).
Watch Andy Murray v David Ferrer as part of Saturday's China Open, live on Sky Sports 2 HD from 6am.
