World number one Aryna Sabalenka edges Katie Boulter to advance into China Open last 16

The 26-year-old fought back from a breakdown in both sets at 5-4 to defeat the Brit 7-5, 7-6 (2) in a pulsating 155-minute encounter.

The Belarusian had defeated American wildcard Sofia Kenin 6-1, 6-2 in the previous round of 64.

The US Open runner-up Sabalenka will now face Italian 27-year-old Jasmine Paolini for a place in the quarter-finals.

Paolini, ranked 36th, will be looking for her third victory against the 13-time singles title champion, having only lost once against the Belarusian in their three previous matches.

Meanwhile, world number four Jessica Pegula also advanced to the last 16 following a 6-7 (2), 6-2, 6-1 victory over Anna Blinkova.

The Ningbo Open runner-up in Tokyo battled to victory in 2 hours and six minutes and will face 13th seed Latvian 26-year-old Jelena Ostapenko in the last 16.

Ostapenko will be looking to boost her hopes of qualifying for the WTA Finals as she currently lies in 14th position, whilst Pengula has already secured her spot at the WTA Finals in Cancun.

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