Maria Kirilenko on course in Barcelona

Maria Kirilenko's defence of her Barcelona Ladies Open title remains on course following a straight sets 7-5 6-2 win over Severine Bremond yesterday.

Maria Kirilenko's defence of her Barcelona Ladies Open title remains on course following a straight sets 7-5 6-2 win over Severine Bremond yesterday.

The Russian sixth seed breezed through her second-round encounter and will now play Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez, the woman she beat to win last year's title, in a quarter-final tomorrow.

Sanchez battled through to the last eight after she defeated first round lucky loser Masa Zec Peskiric 7-5 5-7 6-2. Second seed Flavia Pennetta meekly bowed out of the tournament to fellow Italian, Roberta Vinci 6-1 6-2.

Vinci will next meet Belarusian Anastasiya Yakimova.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!