Former world number one Simona Halep claims first win since doping ban

The former world number one played two events in May after her suspension was reduced from four years to nine months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

But she was unable to win in either and retired in the second with a knee injury that has kept her off court since.

However, Halep is now fit again and battled to a 6-2 4-6 6-4 victory over Australia's Arina Rodionova.

At the China Open in Beijing, US Open champion Aryna Sabalenka kept her unbeaten run going with a 6-4 6-3 triumph over Madison Keys to reach the quarter-finals.

The top seed, who is bidding to win a third tournament in a row, next faces Czech Karolina Muchova, who raced to a 6-2 6-0 win against Cristina Bucsa.

Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva is also through to the last eight thanks to a 6-1 6-3 victory over Magda Linette. 

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