Barrois continues upset string in Portugal

ESTORIL, Portugal, April 28 (UPI) -- Kristina Barrois and Monica Niculescu defeated the tournament's top two seeds Thursday at the Estoril Open tennis quarterfinals in Portugal.

Barrois beat No 1-seeded Alisa Kleybanova 6-4, 6-2 on the strength of five service breaks in nine games. Barrois won more points (28-24) off Kleybanova's serve than the top seed managed.

Niculescu came from behind for a 5-7, 6-4, 6-2 triumph over second-seeded Jarmila Gajdosova. Niculescu converted all seven of her break-point chances and didn't face a break point in the third set.

Anabel Medina Garrigues added to the upset sweep with a 6-3, 7-5 win over third-seeded Klara Zakopalova. Media Garrigues won 53 percent of the points off Zakopalova's serve.

Johanna Larsson grabbed the fourth semifinal spot with a 6-2, 7-5 win over Alla Kudryavtseva, losing only 13 points in her 10 service games.

Friday's semifinals have Barrios playing Larsson for the second time in their careers but first meeting since 2006. Medina Garrigues, with a straight-set win in 2008, claimed the only previous meeting with Niculescu.

Niculescu, who is No. 59 in the world, is the highest ranked player remaining in the Estoril field.