Kirilenko, Hantuchova reach quarterfinals

Seoul, South Korea: Defending champion Maria Kirilenko of Russia advanced to the Korea Open quarterfinals on Thursday by beating Francesca Schiavone, who retired with an injury early in the second set.

Kirilenko was leading the third-seeded Schiavone 6-1, 1-2 in the second round when the Italian, who had taken a medical time-out in the first set with an apparent right thigh injury, retired.

Kirilenko will next play seventh-seeded Vera Dushevina of Russia, who beat Anastasija Sevastova of Latvia 7-5, 6-1.

Top-seeded Daniela Hantuchova of Slovakia also advanced, defeating Chanelle Scheepers of South Africa 6-1, 6-1.

Hantuchova, who did not face a break point, will next face Kimiko Date Krumm of Japan, who saved a match point before eliminating fifth-seeded Alisa Kleybanova of Russia 4-6, 7-6 (4), 6-3.

"I don't have any problem in my physical stamina," the 39-year-old Date Krumm said. "I'll also do my best in the next match."