Share

Ostapenko storms into Korea Open quarters

Seoul - Top seed Jelena Ostapenko dispatched Japanese rival Nao Hibino 6-2, 6-2 on Thursday to secure a spot in the Korean Open quarter-finals, as she seeks to move up the world ranking.

The French Open champion became the first Latvian to break into the WTA Top 10 when she advanced into 10th place earlier this month and will now sail into her seventh quarter-finals of the year.

"I'm a Top 10 player now, and players really have nothing to lose against me. They try to show their best because they have less pressure," the 20-year-old said after her first round match against Swede Johanna Larsson on Tuesday.

"I'm a favorite to win this tournament so I have to prepare well and play my best," added Ostapenko, who now advances to play Veronica Cepede Royg on Friday. 

Elsewhere, Romanian Sorana Cirstea put an end to the tournament hopes of American Nicole Gibbs with a 6-3, 6-3 win to face 24-year-old Thai Luksika Kumkhum.

Results from the third day of the Korea Open WTA tournament on Thursday (x denotes seeding):


Women's singles

2nd rd

Jelena Ostapenko (LAT x1) bt Nao Hibino (JPN) 6-2, 6-2

Veronica Cepede (PAR) bt Kristie Ahn (USA) 4-6, 6-4, 6-3

Sorana Cirstea (ROM x4) bt Nicole Gibbs (USA) 6-3, 6-3

Priscilla Hon (AUS) bt Arantxa Rus (NED) 7-5, 6-4

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1128 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1298 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 1995 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE