Katie Boulter through to Ningbo Open last 16 in China; fellow Brit Harriet Dart books Japan Open last-16 place; Watch all the ATP and WTA action on Sky Sports Tennis and Sky Sports+ which is integrated into Sky TV, streaming service NOW and the Sky Sports app
Tuesday 15 October 2024 16:16, UK
Britain's Katie Boulter is through to the last 16 of the Ningbo Open in China after beating Italy's Sara Errani in straight sets 6-3 6-2.
In a match disrupted due to heavy rain, Boulter came out with the score level at 2-2 following a prolonged stoppage and proceeded to kick on and dominate, clinching the opening set 6-3.
The 28-year-old Briton then broke her Italian opponent early into the next set, consolidating with a hold of serve to move into a commanding 3-0 lead.
A second break of serve was soon forced by Boulter, moving her to 4-0, and though she was broken herself when serving for the set at 5-1, she broke straight back to wrap up the match.
Boulter will next face 28-year-old Brazilian Beatriz Haddad Maia for a place in the quarter-finals.
Two of the top three seeds in Ningbo have already withdrawn out of the tournament in Italy's Jasmine Paolini and the USA's Emma Navarro.
Elsewhere, Boulter's British compatriot Harriet Dart was successful as she came from behind to beat Germany's Laura Siegemund and reach the last 16 of the Japan Women's Open.
Having lost the first set 6-3, Dart showed heart and composure to win a tight second set 7-5, before she went on to clinch the third-set decider by the same score.
Dart will next face Denmark's Clara Tauson - who knocked the 28-year-old Brit out in the first round of the China Open three weeks ago - for a place in the quarter-finals in Osaka.
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