Peng defeats Clijsters to reach semis
(Agencies)
Updated: 2005-08-07 08:41

China's Peng Shuai, ranked 46th in the world, has upset seventh-seeded Belgian Kim Clijsters 6-4, 6-4, to reach the semi-finals at the 1.3 million dollar WTA Acura Classic in San Diego, California.

China's Shuai Peng returns a backhand to France's Mary Pierce during their semi-final tennis match at the Acura Classic in Carlsbad, California, August 6, 2005. Pierce defeated Peng 6-2 6-2. [Reuters]

Peng had entered the match as a heavy underdog to Clijsters, who had won 26 consecutive hardcourt matches on American soil since losing to compatriot Justine Henin-Hardenne in the 2003 US Open final.

"I'm very happy," Peng said. "It's my first time playing Kim Clijsters.

"Before the match I was so nervous, I didn't think too much to (beat) her, just go out on the court and go play my game - don't think too much."

The 19-year-old Peng, who had upset third seed Elena Dementieva of Russia in the second round and No. 16 Dinara Safina in the third, continued her unlikely run by dictating play from the baseline with her searing, two-fisted shots from both wings that kept her speedy opponent on the run throughout the shocker.

Peng advances to face sixth seed Mary Pierce, of France, who knocked off fatigued fifth-seeded Patty Schnyder of Switzerland, 6-4, 6-4, in the day session.

Meanwhile, the Japanese assault on the San Diego tournament continued with Ai Sugiyama and Akiko Morigami both winning on Friday to set up a clash in the semi-finals.

Unseeded Sugiyama became the first player to move into the semis of the hardcourt event by rolling over 15-year-old Bulgarian Sesil Karatantcheva 6-1, 6-2.

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