Zhang Shuai defeats compatriot Wang Xinyu, advances to third round at China Open

Zhang Shuai defeated Chinese compatriot Wang Xinyu for the first time in four attempts, with Friday's breakthrough victory in Beijing sending her into the third round of the China Open.

The 36-year-old Zhang maintained her momentum after winning her opening match and quickly went up 1-0 in this contest. Now ranked outside the Top 100 and competing as a wildcard, Zhang held serve when Wang hit long. She went on to take the first set 6-4 against her 24-year-old countrywoman.

In the second set, Zhang jumped out to a 4-0 lead and landed a thundering backhand to stay in control. Wang converted a service break in the sixth game after Zhang's drop shot from just inside the baseline found the net.

But Zhang broke back to grab a 5-2 lead. The veteran then closed out the set 6-2 when Wang hit the net, securing her place in the third round.

Zhang, who ended a 24-match losing streak last year with a surprise run to the quarterfinals in the Chinese capital, will next face the USA's Amanda Anisimova.