BBC SPORT | Tennis | Kournikova wins again

Thursday's results

Anna Kournikova reached the last eight of the WTA Bank of the West Classic thanks to a straight sets win over an Indonesian qualifier.

The Russian got the better of Wynne Prakusya 6-1 6-4 to set up a quarter-final meeting with top seed Venus Williams.

The world number two defeated fellow American Meghann Shaughnessy 6-4 6-1 to avenge a loss twelve months ago.

No matter that happens tomorrow, it's already been a great tournament and great step forward

Anna Kournikova

Kournikova's victory over Prakusya completed her first back-to-back win since February.

She had lost 12 of her previous 15 matches before she arrived in California.

"I didn't play as well as I played in the first match (against eighth seed Anna Smashnova) but it's great to not play well and still win," Kournikova said.

"Two months ago, I wouldn't have been able to pull it off but I stepped back a little from my tactics and when I began to be more aggressive, the results were there.

"The fact that I won two matches in a row is exciting. No matter that happens tomorrow, it's already been a great tournament and great step forward."

Kournikova is 0-7 against Williams, including two losses here in 1999 and 2000 and two earlier this season in Antwerp and Dubai.

"She's playing amazing tennis, but I have nothing to lose so I'll go out and try to stay on the court as long as I can," she said.

Venus Williams
Williams cruised past Shaughnessy

"It's really difficult to come in against any player who hits the ball as fast and as deep as Venus."

Williams doesn't expect an easy contest.

"I have a lot of respect for her as an athlete more than anything," Williams said.

"She moves well and improvises but has had her fair share of bad luck. Hopefully, I'll maintain my good record against her."

American veteran Lisa Raymond defeated Marissa Irvin 6-1 6-4 and now meets third seed Monica Seles for a place in the last four.

In the day's other late match, Yugoslavian teenage wildcard Jelena Jankovic stunned seventh-seeded Daja Bedanova 7-6 2-6 6-3 to set up a quarter-final against defending champion Kim Clijsters.