Simona Halep into WTA Bucharest Open semi-finals

Simona Halep moved into the last four of the Bucharest Open on Friday courtesy of a routine 6-4 6-2 success over Danka Kovinic.

Halep, who tasted victory at this WTA International clay-court event two years ago, looks well placed for a second title in three years in her homeland.

After squandering four break points in the first set, the top seed finally capitalised on her fifth for a 4-3 lead, before holding comfortably to get in front.

Two breaks in the second put her 5-2 up and, although she wasted three match-point chances, she was not to be denied as she sealed victory and a place in the semi-finals, where her opponent will be Vania King, who eased past Pauline Parmentier 6-3 6-1.

The other half of the draw saw second seed and last year's runner-up Sara Errani knocked out, as she went down 7-6 (7-4) 6-3 to Anastasija Sevastova, who will now take on Laura Siegemund.

Fourth seed Siegemund broke Polona Hercog six times on her way to a comfortable 6-2 6-1 victory.