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Hibino beats Svitolina in straight sets at Thailand Open

MANAN VATSYAYANA / AFP / Getty

HUA HIN, Thailand (AP) Nao Hibino advanced to the semifinals of the Thailand Open by beating fourth-ranked Elina Svitolina 6-4 6-2 on Friday.

It was the 84th-ranked Japanese player's first win over a top-five player.

''Elina is one of the best players in the world in the world,'' said Hibino, a two-time champion on the WTA Tour. ''I've watched her play on TV so many times.''

Also, Magda Linette defeated 18-year-old Chinese player Xiyu Wang 2-6, 6-3, 6-3.

''It was too fast for me at the beginning. But I tried to stay close with her, playing point by point and waited for my chance,'' Linette said.

The 42nd-ranked Pole will next face Patricia Maria Tig, who defeated fourth-seeded Saisai Zheng 6-4, 6-2.

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