Valencia Open: Podoroska books spot in semi-finals

Argentinian Nadia Podoroska, the No 8 seed, edged out Swede Mirjam Bjorklund 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-4 to advance to the semi-finals of the Valencia Open at the Valencia Tennis Club on Friday.

Podoroska, ranked No 94, will play the winner of the match between Egyptian Mayar Sherif, the top seed, and American qualifier Ann Li next.

Earlier in the tournament, the Argentinian edged out Spanish wildcard Angela Fita Boluda (6-2, 4-6, 7-5) and benefited from the forfeit of Frenchwoman Leolia Jeanjean.

Bjorklund, ranked No 192, defeated Hungarian Anna Bondar (6-3, 6-7 (3), 6-3) and Russian lucky loser Darya Astakhova (6-4, 6-3) in the previous rounds of the BBVA Open.

Valencia WTA 125K Series, other quarter-finals results (Valencia Tennis Club, clay, USD 115.000, most recent results first):

• Tamara Korpatsch vs. Jessica Bouzas Maneiro
• Marina Bassols Ribera vs. Sara Errani
• Mayar Sherif vs. Ann Li