Palermo Open: Zheng reaches semi-finals, takes on Sherif next

Chinese Qinwen Zheng, the second seed, beat American Emma Navarro, the No 7 seed, 6-4, 6-2 to move into the last four of the Palermo Open at A.S.D. Country Time Club on Friday night.

Zheng, ranked No 26, will face Egyptian Mayar Sherif, the No 3 seed, next.

Ahead of her victory, the 20-year-old Chinese won against Italian Sara Errani (6-0, 6-0) and Frenchwoman Diane Parry (7-5, 3-6, 6-3).

Navarro, ranked No 57, won against Dutch qualifier Eva Vedder (7-6 (5), 6-1) and Italian wildcard Camilla Rosatello (6-2, 6-1) in the previous rounds of the Palermo tournament.

Palermo WTA 250, other quarter-finals results (A.S.D. Country Time Club, clay, USD 259.303, most recent results first):

• Jasmine Paolini (5) beat Daria Kasatkina (1): 6-4, 4-6, 6-3
• Mayar Sherif beat Camila Osorio: 6-4, 6-1
• Sara Sorribes Tormo beat Clara Burel: 6-1, 7-6 (6)