Auckland, New Zealand (SportsNetwork.com) - Second-seeded Serb Ana Ivanovic, third-seeded Belgian Kirsten Flipkens and American Venus Williams were quarterfinal winners on Thursday at the season-opening ASB Classic tennis event.
Ivanovic disposed of Japan's Kurumi Nara 6-2, 6-3, while Flipkens also advanced in straight sets, notching a 6-4, 7-5 triumph over qualifier Sachie Ishizu.
Williams sailed past Spaniard Garbine Muguruza by a 6-3, 6-3 margin on the hardcourts at ASB Tennis Centre.
Fifth-seeded American Jamie Hampton outlasted compatriot Lauren Davis 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 during Thursday's quarterfinals and will next meet Williams in the semifinals.
Flipkens and Ivanovic will square off in the other semifinal matchup.
