Marina Stakusic, a Canadian qualifier, advanced to the semifinals of the Abierto Tampico after a hard-fought victory over Italian Lucrezia Stefanini with a score of 0-6, 6-4, 7-5 on Thursday night.
Currently ranked No. 140, Stakusic will face either German Tatjana Maria, the No. 4 seed, or Spaniard Sara Sorribes Tormo, the No. 6 seed, in her next match.
The 19-year-old Canadian previously defeated Ukrainian qualifier Anastasiya Sobolieva (6-2, 6-2) and American Robin Montgomery, the No. 7 seed (6-4, 7-6 (5)), in the earlier rounds.
In earlier matches, Stefanini, ranked No. 166, overcame American Ann Li (6-4, 6-4) and top-seeded Spaniard Nuria Parrizas Diaz (2-6, 7-6 (4), 6-4) to reach the quarterfinals.
