Defending champion Kvitova crashes out

Petra Kvitova, who is trying to work her way back into the world's top three after illness and injury, suffered a blow when the defence of her Dubai Open title lasted no more than one match this morning (Singapore time).

The former world No. 2 from the Czech Republic was beaten by Spain's Carla Suarez Navarro, who spent much of the match trailing, but her refusal to give up was rewarded with a 1-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) win and a place in the quarter-finals.

Navarro now plays Frenchwoman Alise Cornet, who beat Kirsten Flipkens 6-3, 6-4.

Another seed to fall was Sara Errani, the fourth-seeded Italian, who was beaten 6-2, 5-7, 6-1 by Sorana Cirstea, the world No. 27 from Romania.

Earlier, 33-year-old American Venus Williams romped to a 6-2, 6-1 victory over former world No. 1 Ana Ivanovic. - AFP.