QUÉBEC CITY, Canada - Wednesday saw top seed Nadia Petrova advance to the quarterfinals at the $220,000 Bell Challenge courtesy of a straight-sets defeat of American Madison Brengle. The 12th-ranked Russian was joined in the last eight by two of the other three seeds in action, however No.6 seed Jill Craybas stumbled.
Although 19-year-old Brengle registered a higher first service percentage (70% to Petrova's 66%), the defending champion's greater firepower more than compensated, her greater experience also coming in handy on key points. While Petrova was able to fend on four of five break points faced, Brengle saved just two of six, giving the Russian all the edge she needed.
Earlier, No.5 seed Melinda Czink grew in authority against Severine Brémond Beltrame to win comfortably in two sets, 64 63, while No.8 seed Julia Goerges ended the run of 18-year-old Canadian wildcard Rebecca Marino, 62 63.
But in a minor upset at the PEPS Laval University tennis complex, feisty Russian Alla Kudryavtseva dispatched US veteran Jill Craybas in straight sets, 75 62. Kudryavtseva hammered the American's serve in particular, allowing Craybas to win just 33% of points off her second delivery. Kudryavtseva's quarterfinal opponent will be determined in a match set for Thursday's night session, between local heroine and No.3 seed Aleksandra Wozniak and Regina Kulikova of Russia.
Petrova and Czink will meet in the quarters, with Goerges awaiting the winner of the encounter between qualifiers Lilia Osterloh and Amra Sadikovic.
First round doubles play produced one upset - on paper at least - as unseeded Bethanie Mattek-Sands and Wozniak toppled No.2 seeds Craybas and Liga Dekmeijere in a second set tie-break.
