Zhang Shuai of China (left) celebrates her victory against Caroline Garcia of France during their women's singles match in Tokyo, Japan on September 21, 2022. Photo: AFP

Chinese veteran Zhang Shuai saved match point to upset second seed Caroline Garcia 4-6, 7-6(5), 7-6(5) in the second round of the Toray Pan Pacific Open.

Her compatriot, teenage Zheng Qinwen eased past top-seeded Paula Badosa 6-3, 6-2 to reach the quarterfinals as well.

Garcia, who had eliminated Zhang in the third round of the Wimbledon Championships, won the first set with 10 aces, but Zhang then took the second set after winning the tiebreak 7-5.

After a "sandwich break" to gather strength, Zhang saved a match point in the up-and-down deciding set to win the thriller and eliminate Garcia, who fired WTA season-high 27 aces in the match.

"I was trying to stay calm. I told myself in the tough moments how I never lose on this court so today I will win," 33-year-old Zhang said.

The victory was Zhang's second Top 10 win of the season and handed Garcia just her second loss in her last 15 matches. After this win, Zhang's live ranking rose to world No.26.

She will play either No.6 seed Karolina Pliskova or Petra Martic next.

With seven aces and four breaks of serve, China's youngster Zheng upset Badosa to reach the last eight.

Badosa, who had a bye in the second round, was overturned by Zheng after a 3-1 lead in the first set, and was unable to fight back against the 19-year-old.

"It was a big match for me," said Zheng. "Even though the score was like this, there were a lot of emotions for me in this match and I'm very proud of myself. It's not a surprise - I always knew I had the level, I just had to make it."

Zheng will face Claire Liu of the US in the quarterfinals.

Xinhua