Hong Kong Open: Katie Boulter advances to semi-finals

British number one Katie Boulter advanced to the semi-finals of the Hong Kong Open with a 6-4 6-0 victory over Anastasia Zakharova.

Boulter, who is ranked 27 in the world, saved two break points in the seventh game of a tight first set before making the crucial break herself in the 10th.

The second set was one-sided and Boulter won it in just 30 minutes. The highlight was a stunning cross-court forehand after a long rally in the fourth game.

“I think the first set was on another planet,” said Boulter, who also reached the semifinals of the Pan Pacific Open last week.

“She played good tennis. I picked it up at 5-3 and then played very good things. I was free and relaxed on the court.”

Second seed Boulter will play Yue Yuan in the semi-finals after the Chinese sixth seed defeated American Sofia Kenin 6-3 6-3.

The 28-year-old is aiming for a third WTA Tour victory this season, following wins in Nottingham and San Diego.