Los Angeles, Aug 08: Top seeds Kim Clijsters and Lindsay Davenport both prevailed with hard-fought three-set victories to reach the quarter-finals of the 635,000 dollar WTA Los Angeles event.
Former world no.1 Davenport had to overcame an early deficit and a strong crosswind to beat Paola Suarez 4-6 6-2 6-4.
The 27-year-old American, who blasted eight aces past Suarez, advanced to the quarter-finals where she will face South Africa's Amanda Coetzer.
"It was very gusty on the court and with the wind going one way it creates some problems because the ball moves around so much. But I managed to come through in the third set," said Davenport.
Second seed Davenport will be joined in the quarters by top seed Clijsters who beat 16-year-old Maria Sharapova, of Russia, 6-4 1-6 6-1 in front of about 1,500 fans.

Davenport, who turned pro in 1993, said yesterday she has no plans try and recapture the world no 1 ranking which should change hands this week or next after Clijsters wins a few more matches.

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"That would be difficult," said Davenport, who has 38 career singles titles. "Physically it takes its toll on you week in and week out.

"It wears on you when you have to force yourself to stay eager and stay positive.

"Next year I don't plan to play 18-24 tournaments. I am going to cut back and try and peak for the grand slams."
Bureau Report