WTA roundup: Teen topples Naomi Osaka in Tokyo
Sofia Cheung is a dedicated community reporter with a focus on social issues affecting the Fargo area. A graduate of North Dakota State University, she has spent the last four years reporting for local networks, ensuring that underrepresented voices are heard.
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By Field Level Media Oct 29 (Field Level Media) Slovakian teenager Mia Pohankova knocked out former champion Naomi Osaka in straight sets Thursday to advance to the quarterfinals of the Toray Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo. The 18-year-old upstart defeated the seventh-seeded Japanese star 6-3, 7-5 in 95 minutes for the biggest win of her career. Ranked No. 659 at this time last year, Pohankova kept her cool and saved two break points in the second set before breaking Osaka to end the match. Pohankova will face Alycia Parks, a 6-3, 6-1 winner over Australia s Kimberly Birrell. World No. 1 and top seed Elena Rybakina moved into the quarterfinals with a 6-2, 6-3 win over Kazakhstan compatriot Yulia Putintseva. She will meet Canada s Leylah Fernandez, who posted a 6-2, 7-6 (8) win over No. 5 Elise Mertens of Belgium. Guangzhou Open No. 4 Lilli Tagger of Austria was the only seeded player to survive the day in China, moving into the quarterfinals of the WTA 250 event with a 6-2, 6