Beijing-Sana
Two-time champion Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic and defending champion Arena Sabalinka advanced to the last 16 of the tournament after winning straight sets in the second round on Wednesday.
Kvitova, winner of the 2014 and 2016 titles, broke her Slovenian rival Bologna Herzog in the second set once to win 7-6 6-3.
Although Kvitova made six double errors in the serve, the world number seven got 75 percent of her first serve and saved two break points to win in an hour and 42 minutes.
Kvitova will meet the winner of the 10th seed, former US Open champion Sloan Stevens, with Chinese Wang Yavan in the next round.
In turn, Belarusian Sabalinka 6-1, 6-0 over American Daniela Collins after 51 minutes.
Sabalinka has fired seven aces and broke her 25-year-old opponent six times to qualify for the knockout round to face sixth seed Kiki Burtens of the Netherlands and American qualifier Bernarda Pera.
Top-seeded Ashley Party, Carolina Pleskova, Elena Svetolina and Simona Halep will start the tournament tomorrow after being drawn by the draw.
