Eugenie Bouchard's winning start to 2016 in Shenzhen

Eugenie Bouchard kept up her impressive return to action, progressing to her first quarter-final in almost a year thanks to Wednesday's victory over Nicole Gibbs at the Shenzhen Open.

After reaching the last eight at the Australian Open, Bouchard had a sharp dip in form in 2015 and her season was brought to a troubling end by a concussion initially suffered at the US Open.

Her attempted comeback at the China Open in October ended in tears as an emotional Bouchard was unable to complete her first-round match.

However, she is enjoying her return to China this time around and the sixth seed is hopeful of going from strength to strength.

"It was a solid match from me. I think I was able to improve off of my first round," Bouchard said.

"But first and foremost I was able to play another whole match healthy, with no pain and no symptoms.

"Every match that I play gives me a little bit more confidence.

"I know it's a long road back to recovery and to being back to where I was and even better, so I'm ready for that long journey.

"But, you know, if it's a little step I can take every day, then I'm happy with that."

Top seed in Shenzhen, Agnieszka Radwanska was also a winner on Wednesday, seeing off Zhang Shuai 6-1 7-5. Another Chinese opponent, Wang Qiang, awaits the Pole after overcoming Vania King in straight sets.

Other seeded players found the going tougher, with Irina-Camelia Begu (3), Monica Niculescu (4) and Zarina Diyas (7) all falling to defeat.

Alison Riske and Anett Kontaveit will face off for a semi-final spot after Wednesday wins over Hsieh Su-wei and Zheng Saisai.