Zheng bows out in Ningbo quarters

ZhengSaisai

World number 94 Zheng was in the running for her first WTA singles title and had the opportunity to reach the final without playing any other seeded entrants.

However, she threw away a one-set lead against the Pole as Linette won through 1-6 7-5 6-3 at the WTA 125k series hard-court event.

In the pair's first meeting, Zheng made a flying start as she moved into an early lead having saved each of the break points she faced in the opening set.

However, Linette fought back strongly and eventually prevailed after two hours and 45 minutes to secure a semi-final meeting with compatriot Paula Kania.

The 21-year-old was also involved in a lengthy last-16 encounter - in which she proved too strong for Chinese qualifier Wang Yan.

Kania won through 7-6 (7-2) 4-6 7-5 to stay on course for her maiden WTA singles title and end the run of 18-year-old world number 502 Wang.

On the other side of the draw, sixth seed Wang Qiang and Duan Ying-ying will face off in the final four.

Wang beat fellow Chinese Zhu Lin for the second time this year, progressing 6-3 6-1 in relatively straightforward fashion, while Duan was made to toil for her semi-final berth.

Taking on Ekaterina Bychkova of Russia, Duan recovered from a set down to clinch a 5-7 6-4 6-4 win.

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