Wildcard Zhang Shuai stuns Wang Xinyu in all-Chinese clash at China Open

BEIJING, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- Veteran Zhang Shuai defeated fellow Chinese player Wang Xinyu 6-4, 6-2 in the women's singles second round of the China Open on Friday, claiming her first win over the 31st seed in four attempts.

Playing in the first night session match on the Diamond Court, Zhang raced to a 2-0 lead in the opening set, before Wang leveled at 3-3. Zhang broke again in the seventh game and held serve to take the set 6-4. Zhang carried the momentum into the second, breaking twice to move 4-0 ahead. Though Wang clawed back two games, Zhang responded strongly to seal the set 6-2 and clinch her first career win over Wang in four meetings.

36-year-old Zhang, now ranked outside the top 100 and competing on a wildcard, proved steadier in the key moments. Both players faced seven break points, but Zhang saved five while Wang managed to rescue only two.

Last year, Zhang ended a 24-match losing streak with a surprise run to the Beijing quarterfinals, reviving her career. Once again underestimated, she has battled through to the third round this year.

Zhang will next face third seed Amanda Anisimova of the United States, who continued her fine form with a 6-3, 6-1 victory over Britain's Katie Boulter. Enditem