Chinese Peng records first last 16 spot in Grand Slam

Xinhua, January 23, 2011

Chinese Peng Shuai reached her first Grand Slam last 16 here on Saturday by ousting Japan's youngster Ayumi Morita in three sets in the third round of the Australian Open.

The 25-year-old Peng held off a big challenge from the 20-year-old Japanese to win 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 in one hour and 47 minutes despite getting a cramp in the waist while serving for the match.

"At the time I didn't think that much," said Peng, referring to the cramp. "I was just really like trying to fight. I want to win this match...I was just telling myself to take a chance to hit the ball, making her move first."

Peng, coming to Melbourne as the 54th in the world, became the third Chinese player to reach the top 16 at a Grand Slam after Li Na and Zheng Jie, and is projected to overtake Zheng to be the 2nd highest-ranked Chinese woman behind Li.

The Japanese girl appeared to be really tough after losing the first set in 22 minutes and held five chances to break for a lead 4-3 in the third set.

However, Peng, competing in her fifth Grand Slam 3rd round, saved all five break points before securing her game at her fourth game point.

"I didn't know how much break points I saved," said Peng. "I just tried to fight because to the last point I still have chance."

"I know she's a tough player to play with because she also fights to every point. I just tell myself like, don't give up." She added.

Peng will vie for a quarterfinal position with Polish Agnieszka Radwanska, who cruised into the last 16 by 6-1, 6-2 in less than hour.

"I think she's a really talented player. She moves fast. She is really smart. I think I just try to fight and play my tennis," said Peng.