Local player Wang Qiang took two straight sets to upset 7th-seeded Monica Niculescu, entering last eight in WTA Shenzhen Open for the second straight year on Tuesday.
Now ranked 71st, Wang came from behind in the first set, breaking the Romanian's serve in the crucial 10th game and pulled the set to a tie-break in which she claimed an overwhelming 7-1 win.
"Niculescu is famous for her special playing style in the tour. I have talked to my coach and we decided that I should be patient in the game, waiting for the chance and then playing aggressive," said the 24-year-old.
The home player, entering the quarter-final here last year, dominated the second set as her match point came out in the 10th game. Although the 7th seed survived the first two with her superb drop shots, Wang was in superb form and eventually sealed the match at the 3rd one.
"I focused on my serve during the winter training, adding some speed in the first service and spin in the second. I thought my forehand had also been strengthened," Wang told the press conference.
Wang's potential opponent in next round is her compatriot Zheng Saisai, who is going to play Camila Giorgi of Italy on Wednesday.
The 3rd seed, high-flying Johanna Konta went through a rollar-coaster-like match against Vania King of the United States. After losing the first set 6-1, the British bounced back timely to took the rest two 6-3, 6-2, booking a spot in the last 8.
"Through the whole match Vania played very well, especially in the first set, she came onto the court really strong," said the world number 10, "And I need to adjust to that, and that took time. I feel really happy that being able to get myself back into the match, and keep my focus on the ground."
Top-seeded Agnieszka Radwanska got an easy victory over Romania's Sorana Cirstea 6-0, 6-3 to set a reunite with last year finalist Alison Riske of the United States.
