Estoril Open News and Events

Maria Kirilenko

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Second seed Maria Kirilenko knocked out World No. 102 Petra Cetkovska of the Czech Republic 6-3, 6-2 for a place in the Estoril Open quarterfinals on Thursday. The Russian converted five of six break opportunities to win in 74 minutes.

The Estadio Nacional has never been a happy hunting ground for Kirilenko, with two first round losses in 2003 and 2007, but the 21-year-old has an opportunity to reach her first Sony Ericsson WTA Tour semifinal since she finished runner-up at the Tier IV event in Seoul last October.

Kirilenko will meet World No. 50 Tathiana Garbin for the first time in the quarterfinals on Friday. 

The 31-year-old Garbin, who reached the 2000 Estoril semifinals (l. to Huber) and the 2001 quarterfinals (l. to Kandarr), took her place in the last eight with a 6-2, 6-2 win over Croatian World No. 471 Sanda Mamic, in a match interrupted by rain.

Before steady rain fell in the early afternoon, Ukrainian Olga Savchuk defeated No. 7 seed Sofia Arvidsson of Sweden 6-2, 6-2 in 61 minutes to set up a quarterfinal clash with Maret Ani.

The Estonian dropped just 10 points on serve to overcome Belgian Kirsten Flipkens 6-0, 6-2.

In the women’s doubles competition, top seeds Kirilenko and Flavia Pennetta advanced to the final just as rain suspended play for the day.

The pair converted four of 15 break point opportunities for a 6-2, 6-3 win over Arina Rodionova and Savchuk in 76 minutes.