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China's Li Na reaches quarterfinals at French Open

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China's top ranked tennis player, Li Na, was challenging for a quarter final berth at the French Open today with a match against the Czech Republic's Petra Kvitova.

Li Na returns the ball during the 4th round match of Women's singles against Petra Kvitova of Czech Republic in the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris, May 30, 2011. Li Na won 2-1 to enter the quarterfinals. [Xinhua]

Li Na is ranked 7th in the world, while Petra Kvitova is close at number 9. Li Na held serve in the opening game to settle her nerves.

But the 21-year-old Kvitova, who defeated Li Na in Madrid earlier this month, won her opening service game to levelled it.

Li Na looked headed for a repeat of Madrid, Kvitova completely dominating the first set, closing it out on serve, 6-2.

Some mental readjusting in the break saw a reinvigorated Li Na back on court to redeem herself, once again, taking an early lead in the set. Now it was Kvitova who looked to be struggling.

Li Na protected her own service game here, and easily won the second set 6-1. So the match was headed for a third set to determine the winner.

Kvitova who took the initiative and jumped to a 3-love lead quickly and the writing was on the wall for Li Na.

But clearly a player who enjoys a challenge, the Chinese star began her climb back and levelled at 3-all. One crucial point here, Li Na gets it and edges ahead 4-3.

Then it was a run to the finish line, Li Na wrapping up the decider 6 games to 3. Clearly relieved, she's into the last 8 of the French Open for the first time.

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