Pe'er advances to quarters in Bangkok

Strolls into the quarterfinals of the PTT Bangkok Open, crushing Russian Anastasia Rodionova 6-1, 6-1.

By ALLON SINAI
peer 298.88 (photo credit: AP)
peer 298.88
(photo credit: AP)
Shahar Pe'er strolled into the quarterfinals of the PTT Bangkok Open on Thursday, crushing Russian Anastasia Rodionova 6-1, 6-1. The key to the victory for the 20-year-old Israeli, who is ranked No. 16 in the world, was her excellent break point conversion. Both Pe'er and Rodionova (76) reached six break points throughout the one hour and nine minute encounter on Thursday, but the Israeli converted five of her opportunities, while the Russian failed to take advantage of any of her chances. Pe'er will face Italian Flavia Pennetta (49) in the last eight and remains on course to face second seed and world No. 8 Venus Williams in the semifinals. Rodionova broke in the first game of Thursday's match, but Pe'er broke back immediately and reeled off six straight games to claim the first set. The Russian got off to an encouraging start in the second set, holding her serve for the first time in the match to take a 1-0 lead. Normal business was, however, soon resumed, with Pe'er going once more on a six game run to wrap-up victory in the match. Andy Ram and Yoni Erlich will face Tomas Behrend and Christopher Kas in the quarterfinals of the BA-CA Tennis Trophy in Vienna over the weekend, after claiming a tight first round victory on Wednesday. The Israeli duo, who are currently placed sixth in the ATP's doubles race, defeated Martin Garcia and Sebastian Prieto 4-6, 6-2, 10-7 and picked up important points in its chase of qualification for the season-ending Masters Cup.