Wimbledon champion Simona Halep has retired from the Wuhan Open after suffering a lower back injury.
Despite the intervention of a physiotherapist, she was forced to withdraw when trailing 5-4 in the first set against the Kazakh wildcard.
Meanwhile, Ashleigh Barty defeated Sofia Kenin 6-3, 7-5 to secure a place in the quarterfinals.
Third seed Elina Svitolina also progressed against Svetlana Kuznetsova.
Alexandrova sets up semi-finals clash with Baptiste at Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open
World no 11 Ekaterina Alexandrova will take on world no 56 Hailey Baptiste at the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open semi-finals on Friday after ending Alexandra Eala’s run in straight sets.
France defeats Ireland with strong performance in Six Nations opener
France has launched the defence of their Six Nations title in emphatic fashion, sweeping Ireland aside 36-14 at the Stade de France on Thursday.
North Korea holds national winter games as it sits out Winter Olympics
North Korea has opened its national winter games, state media reported, as athletes from the reclusive state sit out the Milan Cortina Winter Olympicsafter failing to secure qualification spots.
Ruthless Man City thump Newcastle to reach League Cup final
Omar Marmoush scored twice as Manchester City set up a League Cup final date with Arsenal after a comprehensive 3-1 second-leg victory over visiting Newcastle United secured a 5-1 aggregate win in their semi-final on Wednesday.
Ethara named F1 promoter of the year
Ethara, the promoter of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, has been named Promoter of the Year at the annual F1 Promoter Awards in London.
