Shuai beats Lepchenko to reach semis of Japan Women's Open

TOKYO (AP) Shuai Zhang of China overcame Varvara Lepchenko of the United States to 6-7 (4), 6-1, 6-3 at the Japan Women's Open on Friday to remain on course for her second career title.

Shuai was the highest remaining seed at No. 6.

She will next face Katerina Siniakova of the Czech Republic, who defeated Alison Riske of the United States 6-2, 6-4.

Seventh-seeded Christina McHale of the U.S. defeated Viktorija Golubic of Switzerland 6-3, 5-7, 6-3.

McHale lined up Jana Cepelova of Slovakia in the other semifinal on Saturday. Cepelova removed Japan's last singles hope, Kurumi Nara, 3-6, 6-4, 6-1, to reach her first semi in two years.