Zheng Qinwen reaches China Open quarterfinals after three-set thriller

Home favorite Zheng Qinwen edged Armenia's Alina Charaeva in another three-set thriller, prevailing 6-1, 2-6, 6-4 to advance to the quarterfinals at the China Open on Wednesday in Beijing.

Zheng broke Charaeva in the opening game when the Armenian's backhand went long, before going on to take the first set 6-1.

The Chinese star, who twice battled back from five-game deficits to snatch a pair of sets last month on her way to a third straight US Open quarterfinal, then dropped the second set to Charaeva 6-2.

Zheng responded with another break, courtesy of a blistering backhand return, to grab a 3-1 lead in the decider.

She then sealed the third set 6-4 when Charaeva's backhand sailed wide, reaching the last eight in the Chinese capital for the second time in four appearances, one day before her 24th birthday.

The 2024 Paris Summer Olympics gold medalist will next face Ukraine's Elina Svitolina, with a spot in the semifinals up for grabs.