Hong Kong 125 Open: Tomljanovic into semi-finals as Kessler retires with injury

Australian Ajla Tomljanovic advanced to the semi-finals of the Hong Kong 125 Open when American McCartney Kessler, the No 5 seed, retired on Friday night.

Tomljanovic, ranked No 107, led 6-3, 0-0 when Kessler, ranked No 65, pulled out on Friday night.

The Australian will face the winner of the match between American Emma Navarro, the top seed, and Russian Anna Blinkova, the No 7 seed, next.

Ajla Tomljanovic beat Canadian Marina Stakusic (6-4, 5-7, 6-0) and Romanian Elena-Gabriela Ruse (7-5, 6-3) ahead of her victory.

In the previous rounds, the American won against wildcard Eudice Wong Chong (6-3, 6-4) and Thai Mananchaya Sawangkaew (6-3, 6-2).