Peng Shuai shocks Samantha Stosur to reach last four of Taiwan Open

Peng Shuai stunned second seed Samantha Stosur in straight sets on Friday to reach the semi-finals of the WTA Taiwan Open.

Stosur, the 2011 US Open champion and currently ranked 23rd in the world, had never lost in six previous meetings with Peng, but the Chinese - world number 71 - triumphed 6-4 6-4 at the hardcourt event in Taipei City.

Peng will face Lucie Safarova in the last four after the Czech wild card overcame sixth seed Misaki Doi of Japan 6-4 7-6 (7/1) in their quarter-final.

Tunisian qualifier Ons Jabeur, ranked 181 in the world, twice served for the match against Elina Svitolina before the top seed eventually prevailed 6-1 3-6 7-6 (7/4).

Svitolina was in trouble at 4-5 and 5-6 in the decider, but broke the Jabeur serve on both occasions and wrapped up victory in an hour and 55 minutes.

The Ukrainian will play Mandy Minella for a place in the final after the world number 93 from Luxembourg defeated China's Zhu Lin 1-6 6-3 7-5.