In the semifinals of the event being played at the EMMTC courts in Aurangabad today qualifier third seeded Vlada Ekshibarova stopped the winning run of India's Talented junior Sharmada Balu 6-1,6-3 in 1 hour and 6 minites.

While fourth seeded Varatchaya Wongteanchai of Thailand upset second seeded Nicole Clerico of Italy 6-4,6-7(12-10),6- 0 in a match lasting well over three hours. Wongteanchai also looked enroute a double crown making it to the doubles final ith her younger sister Varunya.

In a well contested semifinal Wongteanchai won the first set 6-4 breaking Clerico in the fifth game , the 445th ranked Italian Clerico saved 5 matchpoints in the second set against Wongteanchai to win the second set and force a third set . However in the third set the wily Thai proved stronger physically to hit an array of winners to win the set 6-0 and make it to the finals.

Ekshibarova who is curently ranked 500 in the world and entered the event as a qualifier told reporters after the semifinal " I played well, and improved every game I'm playing better every day and hope for a good result Balu who made it to her career's first semifinal , said I was a little tired, but tried my best . I give full credit to my opponent, said the tall and lanky player from Bengaluru who made four WTA points for her effort.

"It was a long match I had many chances to win in the second set, but was a little nervous", but I'll try and give my best in the finals ", said Wongteanchai after the marathon.