Top seed through after tough win; Zvonareva crushes opponent on day 5 in Indian Wells

Even though the No. 2 and 3 seeds were kicked off from the draw on Saturday, the Top seed and No. 4 seed were still in great shape, as they continued to dominate on Day 5 of the BNP Paribas Open.

Vera Zvonareva, seeded fourth, was the first to gain victory, as she ousted Petra Kvitova 63 61 in 58 minutes.

Li Na, who demolished No. 17 seed Amelie Mauresmo in the last day of the match with a score of 75 62, will next face the Russian.

Safina dominated the court after Zvonareva, and won to Peng Shuai toughly, 75 64.

"It was very far from my best, but I'm still happy I won the match in two sets," Safina said. "When you win matches in two sets and you know you're far from your best, it just gives you confidence that even if you're not playing your best you still win the matches. I'm looking forward to my next match now."

Next up for Safina is Jill Craybas, who beat Nicole Vaidisova, 64 63.

No. 19 seed Anna Chakvetadze again lost her form and was ousted from the tournament by Shahar Peer, after losing with a score of 62 64.

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Singles - Third Round

(1) Dinara Safina (RUS) d. (28) Peng Shuai (CHN) 75 64

(4) Vera Zvonareva (RUS) d. Petra Kvitova (CZE) 63 61

(8) Victoria Azarenka (BLR) d. Elena Vesnina (RUS) 63 75

(9) Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) d. (18) Kaia Kanepi (EST) 63 36 63

Li Na (CHN) d. (17) Amélie Mauresmo (FRA) 75 62

Shahar Peer (ISR) d. (19) Anna Chakvetadze (RUS) 62 64

Jill Craybas (USA) d. Nicole Vaidisova (CZE) 64 63

(WC) Urszula Radwanska (POL) d. (WC) Alexa Glatch (USA) 63 76(3)