Chinese duo power into Estoril Open quarters
(Agencies)
Updated: 2005-04-28 09:56

Li Na and Zheng Jie served further notice of China's emergence in women's professional tennis by reaching the quarterfinals of the Estoril Open Wednesday.

Zheng Jie. [Baidu/Xinhua]

Li struggled initially against Australia's Nicole Pratt before overpowering her 7-5, 6-1 while Zheng breezed past German Martina Muller 6-3, 6-4.

China has six players competing on the WTA tour and coach Jiang Hong We hopes they can produce a player capable of winning a medal on home soil when the Olympics arrive in Beijing in 2008.

"We are trying to approach tennis in a professional way, especially in women's tennis which is easier to be successful in, because we are preparing for the Olympic G ames in Beijing in 2008," said Jiang.

Li Na. [Baidu/Xinhua]

Zheng and Li have claimed the only WTA titles won by Chinese women. Zheng beat Gisela Dulko to win the Hobart International in January, following on from Li's success in Guangzhou last year.

Both players said they are struggling to adapt to claycourt tennis.

"I still don't have the feel of the courts," said Zheng.

"Footwork is the most difficult thing," added Li. "It is hard to balance and difficult to slide into shots."

Close

AC Milan beat Eindhoven 2-0 Nuggets surprise Spurs 93-87 Juventus edge Lazio 1-0

Today's Top News     Top Sports News
Lien Chan vows to follow in Sun's footsteps         Bush taken to bunker after radar blip         Legislature: New HK chief to serve 2 years         Standards may reduce pollutants by 60%         14 agreements signed in Manila         WB: China's economy to grow by 8.3%	Chinese duo power into Estoril Open quarters       Jimenez's winning Chinese caddy takes a back seat       Chelsea, Liverpool play to 0-0 draw       Els sees great future for nation's golf       French champ praises local chess development       Rugby, golf searching for Olympic glory