 Loit reeled off 14 straight points at a crucial stage in the opening set |
Defending champion Marion Bartoli has been dumped out of the Auckland Classic in New Zealand following a 7-5 6-4 loss to French compatriot Emilie Loit. Bartoli struggled to find her form in windy conditions and Loit took advantage with some strong passing shots to reach the quarter-finals.
Meanwhile, top seed Jelena Jankovic reached the last eight thanks to a 6-2 6-1 win over Finland's Emma Laine.
Third seed Daniela Hantuchova was beaten 6-1 7-5 by Virginie Razzano.
Two-time champion Eleni Daniilidou needed more than two hours to defeat New Zealand's Marina Erakovic 6-4 2-6 6-4.
"It was very tough today," said Daniilidou.
"The wind was changing with every point, even changing within the rallies so I really had to push myself a little bit harder today."
And after her win over Bartoli, an overjoyed Loit said: "It's so good, an unbelievable day.
"It's maybe the fourth or fifth time in life to beat a player in the top 20. My forehand is my best shot and today it was a very good shot."
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 