British No 1 Katie Boulter is thru to the second spherical of the Hong Kong Open with a straight-sets win over Japan’s Aoi Ito.
Boulter, seeded second, triumphed 6-4 6-4 towards the world No 151 to e-book a gathering with China’s Wang Xiyu within the final 16.
The 28-year-old carved out quite a few break factors within the opening set and at last broke her opponent in sport 9, after heading off the one break level she conceded within the set within the earlier sport.
Boulter secured an early break within the second set and after seeing off the 2 additional break factors a spirited Ito manufactured, she closed out the match in 97 minutes.
The Brit was filled with reward for 20-year-old Ito afterwards, saying in her on-court interview: “I advised her on the finish that I completely love the best way that she performs.
“Full credit score to her, she is so distinctive and so enjoyable to observe – however not enjoyable to play towards!
“I just tried to play my game. It’s at the end of a long season and I am trying to push my body, push myself as much as possible.”
Addressing the gang, Boulter added: “You got me through today. I needed a push and to see so many British flags made me so much at home. I do appreciate you coming out and supporting me.”
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Boulter misplaced to Sofia Kenin in final week’s Pan Pacific Open semi-finals in Tokyo
Boulter, the world No 29, reached the semi-finals of final week’s Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo earlier than dropping to 2020 Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin in straight units.
She has gained two titles in 2024, together with retaining her Nottingham Open crown in June when she beat former world No 1 Karolina Pliskova within the closing.
Boulter had claimed her maiden WTA 500 trophy in San Diego in March after defeating Marta Kostyuk.
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WTA occasions in daring
- Hong Kong Open (till November 3)
- Jiangxi Open (till November 3)
- Merida Open (till November 3)
- Paris Masters (till November 3)
- WTA Finals – (November 2-9)
- Belgrade Open (November 3-9)
- Moselle Open (November 3-9)
- ATP Finals (November 10-17)
