Robson through into semi-finals

Laura Robson came through an epic contest against seventh seed Peng Shuai to claim her place in the last four of the Guangzhou International Open.
By The Newsroom
Published 21st Sep 2012, 09:21 BST

The Briton broke her Chinese opponent three times, including a telling break in game 12, on the way to taking a tight opening set but then lost an equally combative second set to send the match into a decider.

However, Robson registered three more breaks in a more straightforward third set to seal a 7-5 5-7 6-2 victory after three hours on court.

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The win continues Robson’s remarkable recent success against Chinese opposition, having ousted Li Na in the US Open and second seed Zheng Zi here in Guangzhou.

She will now face third seed Sorana Cirstea of Romania in the semi-finals.

Robson also became British 
No 1 earlier this week, her career-high position of 74 in the world rankings putting her one place ahead of Heather Watson.

“I think after New York I’m feeling pretty confident on court and I’m not really having any trouble serving out matches at the moment, which is always good,” said Robson.

“But I’ve still got a lot that I can improve on, so I’m trying not to focus on anyone else’s expectations, just focusing on improving and listening to my coach.”